Summary
On July 16, 2018, a Piper PA18S (N3982Z) was involved in an incident near Palmer, 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 failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll.
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a soft field runaway, the tail started to lift. He maintained aft pressure on the control stick, but the tail continued to lift, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wing lift struts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that the wind was from 110º at 6 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed on runway 16.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA422. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3982Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a soft field runaway, the tail started to lift. He maintained aft pressure on the control stick, but the tail continued to lift, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wing lift struts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that the wind was from 110º at 6 knots. The automated weather observation station located on the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed on runway 16.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA422