Pilot Debrief

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8GCBC near Carefree, AZ — 2026-03-02

Final reportWPR26LA114
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Date
2026-03-02
Location
Carefree, AZ, USA
Airport
18AZ
Aircraft
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8GCBC
Registration
N636DB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s decision to operate the airplane with a known mechanical defect, and the improper application of the main wheel brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he landed the tailwheel equipped airplane at a backcountry airstrip, and while taxiing on rough terrain, the tailwheel spring failed and the tailwheel assembly separated from the airplane. The pilot shut down the airplane and exited to inspect and retrieve the tailwheel assembly. He then decided to depart, using engine power to lift the tail off the ground for the take-off roll, and return to his home airport where he planned to land and hold the airplane’s tail off the ground as long as possible. The pilot completed a successful wheel landing, but as the airplane slowed during the landing roll it tipped forward and nosed over, coming to rest inverted on the dirt runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage frame, wings, vertical stabilizer, ailerons, elevators, rudder, and wing lift struts. The pilot reported that he may have inadvertently applied more main-wheel braking pressure than necessary while trying to keep the tail off the ground, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. Other than the previously damaged tailwheel assembly, the pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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