N3797Z

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 18S/N: 18-7492

Accident Details

Date
Monday, September 25, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA569
Location
Beluga, AK
Event ID
20171004X81252
Coordinates
55.920093, -159.490646
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 inability to maintain pitch control due to an encounter with a tailwind gust after the airplane had stopped, which resulted in a nose-over.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
18-7492
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA 18M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
PA-18-150

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MERRINER SCOTT L
Address
10200 HONEY BEAR LN
City
ANCHORAGE
State / Zip Code
AK 99516-6927
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he landed on tundra that had an uphill slope.

Prior to touch down, the pilot shut off the engine "in case of a nose over event."

He reported that after the landing roll, when the airplane was completely stopped on level ground, a tailwind gust lifted the tail. The airplane balanced on the nose for about 10 seconds, a second gust pushed the airplane over, and it came to rest inverted.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures 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# GAA17CA569