Pilot’s Inadvertent Application Of Brake Pressure During Landing, Which Resulted In A Nose Over

Location: Brasstown, North Carolina Accident Number: ERA25LA196
Date & Time: April 30, 2025, 10:29 UTC Registration: N788MP
Aircraft: Chris Wallen/Michael Pliske Just Acft Highlander Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Nose over/nose down Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

Analysis: The pilot said his feet were inadvertently too high on the rudder pedals on landing which resulted in his inadvertent application of brake pressure.

As such, when the airplane touched down, it nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, empennage and fuselage.

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be -- The pilot’s inadvertent application of brake pressure during landing, which resulted in a nose over.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov