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Off-Airport Landing on Driveway Ends with Nose-Over After Rock Strike (N8109Y)

Ephrata, WA, US

On August 13, 1996, a Piper PA-18 (registration N8109Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Ephrata, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain proper alignment with the landing area (driveway) during the landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the selection of an unsuitable area for landing, the reported turbulence during landing, and an encounter with a rock… 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

A pilot performing an off-airport landing on a 500-foot driveway struck a rock during landing, causing the aircraft to nose over and sustain substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted an off-airport landing on a driveway to pick up parts at a nearby parts house. The driveway measured 500 feet in length and 20 feet in width. During the landing sequence, the aircraft encountered a rock and subsequently nosed over, resulting in substantial damage.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot, turbulence caused the aircraft to drift to the left side of the driveway, where it impacted a rock. The pilot further stated that heavy braking combined with the rock strike caused the aircraft to overturn onto its back.

Contributing Factors

The pilot noted that the accident could have been avoided by selecting a different landing area. No additional factors were provided in the source.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 1996 Piper PA-18 accident near Ephrata, WA?

A pilot performing an off-airport landing on a 500-foot driveway struck a rock during landing, causing the aircraft to nose over and sustain substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Aug 1996 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 1996 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N8109Y, at Ephrata, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

failure of the pilot to maintain proper alignment with the landing area (driveway) during the landing. Factors relating to the accident were: the selection of an unsuitable area for landing, the reported turbulence during landing, and an encounter with a rock beside the landing area, while using heavy braking action.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06626. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.