Cessna Nosed Over During Aborted Landing at Private Airstrip

Casualties unknown • Skwentna, AK, US

A private pilot experienced a nose-over accident after a wind shift caused an inadvertent touchdown during an approach to a private dirt airstrip.

What happened

A private certificated pilot was attempting to land at a private dirt airstrip located adjacent to his cabin. The airstrip, which is approximately 600 feet long and 60 feet wide, is oriented southeast/northwest.

The pilot reported overflying the strip several times before initiating a landing approach toward the northwest with full flaps selected. During this approach, a wind shift occurred, creating a tailwind that pushed the aircraft past the intended touchdown point. This resulted in an inadvertent touchdown on the runway.

In an attempt to abort the landing, the pilot applied full power. However, the aircraft subsequently collided with brush at the end of the airstrip, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft sustained damage to its wings, fuselage, and tail. There were no injuries reported.

Probable cause

A wind shift producing a tailwind caused the aircraft to drift past the intended landing point, leading to an inadvertent touchdown and subsequent nose-over during an aborted landing attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-06-24 Piper PA-18 accident near Skwentna, AK?

A private pilot experienced a nose-over accident after a wind shift caused an inadvertent touchdown during an approach to a private dirt airstrip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-06-24 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N78NR, at Skwentna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A wind shift producing a tailwind caused the aircraft to drift past the intended landing point, leading to an inadvertent touchdown and subsequent nose-over during an aborted landing attempt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21149. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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