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Casualties unknown

Tail Wheel Lock-Up Leads to Nose-Over During Landing on Wet Sod Runway (N48532)

Hatton, ND, US

On May 18, 1995, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N48532) was involved in an aviation accident near Hatton, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, and the excessive airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, and the soft, wet condition of the sod runway. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing roll on a wet sod runway, the pilot reported the tail rose, leading to a tail wheel lock-up and loss of steering. The airplane nosed over after reaching a wet area; the pilot noted a faster-than-ideal approach speed.

Incident Overview

The pilot returned to a private sod airstrip to collect another load of chemicals for a spraying operation. During the initial part of the landing roll, the airplane's tail began to rise. In an attempt to lower the tail, the pilot applied elevator pressure. As the pressure was applied, the tail wheel locked up, causing a loss of steering capability around an extremely wet area on the runway.

Sequence of Events

Upon reaching the wet area, the airplane nosed over. The pilot stated that due to the soft, wet condition of the sod runway, approximately 1,000 feet of the runway was unusable. He also stated that his approach airspeed for landing was a little too fast.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 May 1995 Schweizer G-164B accident near Hatton, ND?

During a landing roll on a wet sod runway, the pilot reported the tail rose, leading to a tail wheel lock-up and loss of steering. The airplane nosed over after reaching a wet area; the pilot noted a faster-than-ideal approach speed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 May 1995 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N48532, at Hatton, ND.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, and the excessive airspeed. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, and the soft, wet condition of the sod runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.