No fatalities

Private Pilot Nose-overs Aircraft After Off-Airport Landing (N2796M)

Tyonek, AK, US

On September 29, 1998, a Piper PA-12 (registration N2796M) was involved in an aviation accident near Tyonek, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing on an unimproved surface, which resulted in the left wheel dropping into a hole and the subsequent propeller strike. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot experienced a nose-over incident following an off-airport landing in crosswind conditions. The aircraft's left wheel dropped into a hole, causing the tail to rise and the propeller to strike the ground.

What happened

The private pilot executed a landing on an unimproved, off-airport site measuring approximately 900 feet in length. Conditions included a left crosswind component. Upon completing the touchdown roll, the pilot taxied toward the end of the available surface.

During this taxi phase, the left main wheel encountered a depression or hole in the terrain. Simultaneously, a wind gust lifted the tail section of the aircraft. In an attempt to maintain control and keep the tail down, the pilot applied additional engine power. This action resulted in the propeller striking the ground, causing the airplane to nose over.

The investigation

Examination of the event focused on the interaction between the terrain features and the aircraft's handling during the post-landing phase. The primary mechanical outcome was damage resulting from the propeller contact with the ground surface after the nose-over occurred.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing on an unimproved surface, which resulted in the left wheel dropping into a hole and the subsequent propeller strike.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sept 1998 Piper PA-12 accident near Tyonek, AK?

A private pilot experienced a nose-over incident following an off-airport landing in crosswind conditions. The aircraft's left wheel dropped into a hole, causing the tail to rise and the propeller to strike the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sept 1998 Piper PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sept 1998 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N2796M, at Tyonek, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing on an unimproved surface, which resulted in the left wheel dropping into a hole and the subsequent propeller strike.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10996. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.