Casualties unknown

Tailwheel Airplane Nose-Over During Gravel Bar Landing (N6760B)

Big Lake, AK, US

On September 15, 2000, a Piper PA-18 (registration N6760B) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Lake, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot applied the brakes too hard during landing roll, resulting in a nose-over. 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 landing a tailwheel airplane on a gravel bar applied brakes too hard, causing the aircraft to nose over. The airplane sustained damage to the rudder and right wing lift strut.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a gravel bar. The pilot reported that the airplane was equipped with 30-inch tundra tires. He had recently installed extended landing gear to increase the distance between the propeller arc and the ground, and had added new brake cylinders equipped with a 'booster' cylinder.

During the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes too hard, causing the airplane to nose over.

Damage

The airplane received damage to the rudder and the right wing lift strut.

Pilot Information

The pilot held a private pilot certificate. No other pilot details were provided.

Probable cause

The pilot applied the brakes too hard during landing roll, resulting in a nose-over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21897. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.