Probable cause
The student pilot's overapplication of the brakes during landing to avoid a deer on the runway, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that, during the landing roll, a deer entered the runway in front of the airplane's path. He firmly applied the brakes, and the airplane subsequently nosed over and then came to rest inverted. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left-wing lift strut and rudder. The student reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA20CA095 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 23, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Marion, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Vaiden Field (A08)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 120
- N-number
- N77200
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.