Probable cause
The pilot’s inadvertent excessive application of brakes, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he entered the downwind leg of the airport traffic pattern and subsequently completed a normal approach to the runway. During the touchdown the airplane landed hard and bounced twice. After the second bounce, the pilot inadvertently applied brakes, and the airplane immediately nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder and wing struts.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that could have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA204 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 23, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Winifred, Montana
- Nearest airport
- Heller Farm (L51)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Maule MXT-7-180
- N-number
- N5519C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.