The pilot was planning to perform an off-airport landing on the shore of a reservoir near Nephi, Utah, where he had successfully landed many times before. After an approximate 30-minute flight, he configured the Javron PA-18 replica for landing on the shoreline.
During touchdown, the passenger, who was positioned in the rear seat, inadvertently applied the brakes. Because of the brakes being depressed on touchdown, the airplane immediately nosed over, coming to rest inverted.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing strut.
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable Cause: The passenger’s inadvertent application of the brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
This December 2019 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
I have a 7KCAB with heel brakes. I tell my rear passenger(s) to keep their feet flat on the floor at all times. I am surprised the PIC didn’t feel the resistance of the rear passenger’s feet on the pedals. Sad incident that is easily avoidable IMO.
“However the scenario can be mitigated from future occurrences by utilizing rear brake covers which would prevent the brakes from being applied by a rear seat occupants.”
I guess just telling them to keep their feet away from the rudder pedals/brakes didn’t work….
They were only trying to help so they could get to shore real quick 😉