Probable cause
The accidental application of the brakes by the passenger during landing roll which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while rolling out about 30 to 40 mph in the tailwheel equipped airplane for the full stop landing, the airplane made a sudden stop and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the aft fuselage and tail section during the landing sequence. The passenger reported in a written statement that he accidentally applied the brakes during the landing roll.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15CA074 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 3, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Nearest airport
- San Luis County Rgnl (SBP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Waco Classic Aircraft YMF F5C
- N-number
- N171L
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2013
- 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.