Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over After Loss of Directional Control During Instruction (N8775K)

Norridgewock, ME, US

On April 6, 1993, a Stinson 108-2 (registration N8775K) operated by Joe Vital was involved in an aviation accident near Norridgewock, ME. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT AT THE CONTROLS FAILED TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRPLANE, AND THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR PROVIDED INADEQUATE SUPERVISION. A RELATED FACTOR WAS THE PILOT AT THE CONTROLS HAD NO FLIGHT EXPERIENCE IN THE MAKE AND MODEL OF AIRPLANE BEING FLOWN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A flight instructor provided tailwheel instruction to a commercial pilot unfamiliar with the make/model. The airplane veered left during takeoff, departed the runway, encountered a snow bank, and nosed over.

Accident Scenario

A flight instructor offered to provide instruction in a tailwheel airplane to a rated commercial pilot who had not previously flown in that make and model. During the flight, the pilot receiving instruction occupied the left seat, while the flight instructor was seated on the right side. The airplane was not equipped with brake controls on the right side, where the instructor was seated.

Sequence of Events

After power was applied, the airplane began to accelerate. The rated commercial pilot, who was controlling the aircraft, did not maintain directional control. The airplane veered to the left. The flight instructor attempted to correct the left veer using rudder input but was unable to do so. The airplane subsequently departed the runway, became caught in a snow bank, and nosed over.

Aircraft and Instructional Context

The accident occurred during an instructional flight intended to familiarize the commercial pilot with the tailwheel airplane. The absence of brakes on the right side may have limited the instructor's ability to intervene. The specific make, model, and registration of the airplane were not reported in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12217. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.