Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Aircraft Nose Over During Landing on Tidal Flat (N27036)

Anchorage, AK, US

On June 18, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N27036) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll. A factor in the accident was the flight instructor's restricted view of the landing area. 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

During a biennial flight review, a tailwheel airplane nosed over after heavy braking on a tidal flat, resulting in damage to the propeller, rudder, and left wing lift strut.

Incident Overview

A private pilot, who was receiving a biennial flight review, occupied the front seat of a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The second pilot, who held a flight instructor certificate and was conducting the review, was in the rear seat. During the review, the second pilot took control of the airplane to demonstrate a landing on the hard mud of a tidal flat.

Sequence of Events

The second pilot reported that his view of the terrain was obscured by the first pilot seated in front. During the landing roll, the second pilot kept the tail of the airplane raised. The first pilot noticed that the airplane was nearing an area of water. In response, the second pilot applied heavy braking. The airplane then nosed over.

Aircraft Damage

As a result of the nose-over, the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the rudder, and the forward left wing lift strut.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05896. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.