The passenger’s inadvertent application of the rear brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB Accidents
J-3 Cub pilot hits runway marker after landing in the wrong spot
The pilot’s loss of situation awareness which resulted in landing in a grass area and the subsequent collision with a runway marker.
Zenith bent on second flight when canopy opens during takeoff
An inadvertent opening of the airplane’s canopy on takeoff, which resulted in a loss of control and runway excursion.
Aerodynamic stall on final fatal for pilot
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and the exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the airplane’s turn to final, resulting in an aerodynamic stall.
Failed cylinder leads to crash
The failure of the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve that resulted in a partial loss of engine power. Based on available evidence, the reason for the failed valve was not determined.
Two injured when carb ice contributes to crash
A partial loss of engine power due to the formation of carburetor ice while on the ground, which resulted in reduced climb capability and impact with trees during the initial climb.
Two pilots, but nobody was flying the plane
The pilot and owner’s failure to adequately communicate and establish an understanding of who was flying the airplane, and their failure to take timely action to avoid a collision with terrain.
Pilot mistakes corn field for runway
The pilot’s misidentification of a corn field for the destination airport’s runway, and a subsequent aerodynamic stall at low altitude while attempting to land.
Pilot injured when passenger grabs control stick while adjusting seat
The pilot’s failure to monitor aircraft control, which resulted in a loss of control when a passenger inadvertently moved the control stick, and the pilot and other passenger’s decision to unbuckle their restraints inflight.




