Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing and inadvertent use of the brakes.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane bounced on touch down and that he didn't realize that his feet moved up on the rudder pedals when he applied pressure to recover from the bounce. The brakes were inadvertently applied and the airplane nosed over on the runway. There were no reported mechanical failures or malfunctions.
Source record
Factual narrative
On February 9, 1995, at 1830 Pacific standard time, N77480, a Cessna 120, operated by the owner/pilot, nosed over during landing in Scappoose, Oregon, and was substantially damaged. The private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight departed from Hillsboro, Oregon, and was conducted under 14 CFR 91. In a written statement, the pilot reported that the airplane bounced on touch down. The pilot stated that he did not realize that his feet moved up on the rudder pedals when he applied pressure to recover from the bounce. Instead, the brakes were applied and the airplane nosed over on the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane at the time of the accident. -