Casualties unknown

Nose-over During Taxi After Off-Airport Landing (N1602A)

Palmer, AK, US

On July 9, 1998, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1602A) was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to identify an unsafe/hazardous condition. A related factor was the ditch. 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 private pilot landed in a remote area and, while taxiing, the main landing gear entered a ditch. A gust of wind caught the elevated tail, causing the airplane to nose over and sustain wing damage.

Accident Details

A certificated private pilot conducted a landing in a remote, off-airport location. After the landing was completed, the pilot began taxiing the airplane toward a position from which to take off. During the taxi, the main landing gear entered a small ditch, which caused the tail of the airplane to become elevated relative to the nose.

Wind and Nose-over

While the tail was elevated, a gust of wind caught the tail section. This resulted in the airplane nosing over. The aircraft received damage to the left wing and the left wing lift strut.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that the wind conditions at the time were from the east at 8 to 10 knots, with gusts from 15 to 20 knots.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in damage to the left wing and left wing lift strut. No other damage was reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10447. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.