NTSB Factual Report

On November 5, 2001, at 1318 central standard time, a Piper PA-15, N4576H, sustained substantial damage during an on-ground collision with the runway surface during a landing rollout on runway 12 (6,799 feet by 150 feet, dry/asphalt) at the Decatur Airport, Decatur, Illinois. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The instructional flight was operating under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and dual student reported no injuries. The local flight originated from Decatur, Illinois.

According to Decatur Airport officials, the airplane was cleared for a stop-and-go landing on runway 12, and during the landing roll the aircraft nosed down impacting the runway surface.

According to the CFI's written statement, the purpose of the instructional flight was to practice stop-and-go landings. The CFI reported he was demonstrating to the student a normal approach and a full stall landing. The CFI stated that during the landing rollout he applied brake pressure and, "...the brakes grabbed and caused the aircraft to go over on its nose immediately, stopping immediately, with the nose of the aircraft resting on the ground, tail in the air."

NTSB Probable Cause

The excessive braking performed by the flight instructor.