Summary
On April 19, 2016, a Piper PA 18 (N2518A) was involved in an incident near Palmer, AK. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain and incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll on a sandbar, and as the sand transitioned from dry sand to wet sand, he applied brakes and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lift strut and the empennage.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA16CA204. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2518A.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain and incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll on a sandbar, and as the sand transitioned from dry sand to wet sand, he applied brakes and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lift strut and the empennage.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA204