Summary
On September 14, 2017, a Piper PA 11 (N4741M) was involved in an incident near Petersville, AK. All 1 person 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 overapplication of brakes, which resulted in a nose-over.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while performing a wheel landing on an unimproved gravel airstrip, a gust of wind lifted the "weight off of [the] tires and initiated a skid." He added that, as the airplane settled back on the airstrip the tail rose rapidly due to the brakes being applied, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA544. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4741M.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s overapplication of brakes, which resulted in a nose-over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while performing a wheel landing on an unimproved gravel airstrip, a gust of wind lifted the "weight off of [the] tires and initiated a skid." He added that, as the airplane settled back on the airstrip the tail rose rapidly due to the brakes being applied, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane 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# GAA17CA544