N7509K

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18S/N: 18223

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, August 2, 2009
NTSB Number
ANC09CA076
Location
Skwentna, AK
Event ID
20090804X10942
Coordinates
62.049999, -151.816665
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s misjudged landing on a downsloping, short landing strip, resulting in a nose over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7509K
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18223
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA-18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Analysis

The private pilot reported that he was landing his tailwheel-equipped airplane at his remote, 650-foot long private airstrip, at the conclusion of a personal cross-country flight operated under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. He said that wind conditions required an easterly approach, over an area of stump-covered, down- sloping terrain. During the approach, the airplane’s right main wheel struck a tree stump at the approach end of the site, and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. In his written report to the NTSB the pilot noted that the accident might have been avoided if he had waited until wind conditions allowed for a different approach, or if he had waited to reduce engine power after clearance with the stump was ensured.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC09CA076