Probable cause
The pilot's improper use of brakes during landing.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot reported that he was landing the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, hard-surfaced runway. He stated that during the landing rollout, as he was transitioning his feet from the bottom of the rudder pedals to the top, he applied too much brake pressure and the airplane nosed over. He further stated that he suffers from diabetic neuropathy and did not initially realize how much brake pressure he applied. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and the tail assembly. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane. The pilot does not possess a current Federal Aviation Administration medical certificate.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 7, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palm Springs, California
- Nearest airport
- Jacqueline Cochran Regional (KTRM)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 195B
- N-number
- N2171C
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.