What happened
The pilot was operating a Piper PA-18A-150 following the completion of a glider tow mission. Upon returning to the airport, the pilot attempted a wheel landing on a westerly runway. The strip was a grass/turf surface measuring approximately 2,200 feet in length.
Witnesses at the airport observed that the aircraft touched down significantly beyond the threshold, landing roughly 1,200 feet past the beginning of the usable runway. The observers also noted that the aircraft was arriving at an excessive speed for the conditions. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft lost directional control and nosed over.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot and an FAA inspector conducted a post-accident examination of the airframe. They reported finding no evidence of a mechanical malfunction or pre-existing failure that contributed to the accident. The pilot noted having only 2 hours of flight experience in this specific make and model.