Casualties unknown

Tundra-Tire Airplane Noses Over During Landing on Remote Airstrip (N83272)

Copper Center, AK, US

On August 11, 2002, a Piper PA-18 (registration N83272) was involved in an aviation accident near Copper Center, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in a nose-over during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was rough/uneven terrain. 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 landed a tundra-tire-equipped airplane on a rough, remote airstrip; the right tire hit rocks, causing a bounce, then entered bushes, leading to a nose-over and damage to the propeller, lift strut, and wings.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot was landing an airplane equipped with tundra tires on rough and uneven terrain at a remote airstrip. The airstrip, oriented east to west, measured approximately 800 feet in length and 9 feet in width. The pilot reported landing toward the west over an area of tundra and rocks. During the landing roll, the right tire struck rocks, causing the airplane to bounce. The pilot then applied the brakes as the right tire entered bushes located along the edge of the landing area. The airplane subsequently nosed over.

Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the propeller, the left wing lift strut, the right wing, and the rudder. No other damage was reported.

Sequence of Events

The pilot's account indicates that the landing was conducted on a rough surface with rocks, and the subsequent bounce and brake application led to the airplane veering into bushes. The exact sequence of events beyond the pilot's statement is not specified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020820X01432. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.