N2791PPIPER PA182016-10-14 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
Minor

PIPER PA18S/N: 18-4426

Summary

On October 14, 2016, a Piper PA18 (N2791P) was involved in an accident near Palmer, AK. The accident resulted in 1 minor injury. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The airplane's encounter with a depression while the pilot applied excessive braking during the landing roll on a grass airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while braking during the landing roll on a gravel airstrip the right main tire encountered a ground depression. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and vertical stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

This accident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA027. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2791P.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 14, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA17CA027
Location
Palmer, AK
Event ID
20161018X34142
Coordinates
61.401111, -148.600555
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The airplane's encounter with a depression while the pilot applied excessive braking during the landing roll on a grass airstrip, which resulted in a nose-over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-4426
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1955
Model / ICAO
PA18PA18
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCCARTHY AIR LLC
Address
PO BOX 1888
City
PALMER
State / Zip Code
AK 99645-1888
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that while braking during the landing roll on a gravel airstrip the right main tire encountered a ground depression. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and vertical stabilizer.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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# GAA17CA027