N4316Z

Substantial
None

PIPER PA-18-150S/N: 18-8628

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
NTSB Number
ANC12CA094
Location
Delta Junction, AK
Event ID
20120829X00403
Coordinates
64.550003, -144.250000
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 failure to identify the appropriate touchdown point, which resulted in a nose over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-8628
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1967
Model / ICAO
PA-18-150PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GARDNER RICHARD T
Address
PO BOX 297
City
DELTA JUNCTION
State / Zip Code
AK 99737-0297
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush covered, airstrip. Before beginning his approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. Upon landing the right main tire dropped into a hidden hole, and the tailwheel simultaneously impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed-over. During the nose over, the rudder, lift struts, and wings sustained substantial damage. Upon exiting the airplane the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point, and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC12CA094