Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over During Gravel Landing (N9771D)

Palmer, AK, US

On August 26, 1997, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9771D) operated by Albert F. Novak was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: binding or braking action of the left brake for undetermined reason(s). 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 landing on a gravel off-airport site, the airplane veered left. The pilot applied right rudder, brake, and aft stick. The tail settled then rose, and the airplane nosed over. Scuff marks indicated heavy left braking.

Event Description

During the first landing at an off-airport gravel landing site, the airplane veered left. The pilot applied full right rudder and brake, and aft stick. The tail began to settle, then came back up. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over onto its back.

Pilot Actions

The pilot responded to the veer by applying full right rudder and brake, along with aft stick. Despite these inputs, the aircraft nosed over.

Post-Accident Examination

Scuff marks in the gravel indicated heavy braking from the left tire. While the airplane was inverted, both wheels could be rotated, but the left wheel exhibited more drag than the right.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08541. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.