Tailwheel aircraft nosed over during training at gravel airstrip

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

A pilot conducting recurrent training in a tailwheel airplane veered off a gravel runway and experienced a nose-over following excessive braking.

What happened

A pilot was performing local area recurrent training in a tailwheel-equipped airplane accompanied by a second pilot. The flight operations involved approximately 10 takeoffs and landings on a gravel surface airstrip measuring 3,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width.

During the subsequent landing, the aircraft touched down approximately 12 to 14 feet to the right of the unmarked runway centerline. In an attempt to realign the aircraft with the center of the runway, the pilot momentarily over-controlled the airplane, causing it to veer toward the right side of the runway. As the aircraft moved off the paved surface, the pilot applied excessive braking, which resulted in the brakes locking and causing the airplane to nose over.

The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine mount, left wing lift strut, vertical stabilizer, and the rudder. The pilot was not injured.

Probable cause

The pilot's attempt to correct the aircraft's position resulted in over-control and a veer off the runway, followed by the application of excessive braking which caused the wheels to lock and the airplane to nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-05-19 Cessna 185F accident near Anchorage, AK?

A pilot conducting recurrent training in a tailwheel airplane veered off a gravel runway and experienced a nose-over following excessive braking.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-05-19 involved a Cessna 185F, registration N1789, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's attempt to correct the aircraft's position resulted in over-control and a veer off the runway, followed by the application of excessive braking which caused the wheels to lock and the airplane to nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20940. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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