# NTSB WPR10CA043: Cessna 120, N2729N, Mineral Canyon, UT, November 1, 2009

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: November 1, 2009, 10:15 local (17:15 UTC)
- Place: Mineral Canyon, UT
- Coordinates: 38.533332, -109.983329 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5333&lon=-109.9833&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 6, 2010
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Western Pacific Region
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 74991
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR10CA043
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/74991/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74991
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA043

## Probable cause

The pilot's incorrect use of brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: surface speed/braking](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 120, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md?model=2071402), [All aircraft, 238 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: use of equip/system](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 120, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md?model=2071402), [All aircraft, 1,391 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063015/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff-rejected takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 120, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2071402), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The pilot reported that during the departure roll the airplane was not performing as he had expected. He opted to abort the takeoff by aggressively applying brakes. The airplane nosed over, damaging the wings and tail section. The pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had "better control of braking." He further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

## Factual narrative

In a written statement, the pilot reported that during the departure roll, the airplane was not performing as he had expected. He opted to abort the takeoff by aggressively applying brakes. The airplane nosed over, damaging the wings and tail section. In the section titled "RECOMMENDATION" in the NTSB Pilot/Operator Report, form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated that accident could have been prevented if he had "better control of braking." He further added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2729N](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2729N-2010-04-22), registration cancelled 2010-04-22, S/N 12987, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 120
- Registry model: [Cessna 120](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-120) (registry code 2071402) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12987
- Airframe hours: 3078
- Engines: CONT MOTOR C85 SERIES 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Aviation Facilities Inc
- Registered owner: Aviation Facilities Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: PGA, Page, CA
- Destination: UT75, Mineral Canyon, UT
- Airport: UT75, Mineral Canyon Strip Airport, runway 14, 2,000 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 36; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; flight hours: 284 total, 92 in this make and model, 208 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 23 in the last 30 days, 9 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 20091101021289A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20091101021289A), Nov 1, 2009: Cessna 120, Moab, UT, Substantial damage. After two aborted takeoff attempts from a private dirt strip (mineral bottom) because of zero airspeed indication. The pilot attemtped a third takeoff. The…

## Other investigations on N2729N (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB NYC66F0106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC66F0106), Jun 15, 1965: Cessna 120 (N2729N), Beaver Falls, PA, substantial damage

## Docket (1 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 10, 2009, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=74991. 300 KB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 300 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40322417&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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