Casualties unknown

Tailwheel-Converted Airplane Noses Over During Landing Roll (N7027D)

Wasilla, AK, US

On October 11, 2002, a Piper PA-22 (registration N7027D) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot-rated dual student, and the dual student's excessive use of brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in the nose over of the airplane. 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 flight instructor and private pilot experienced a nose-over during the third landing of a training session. The airplane veered left, and simultaneous heavy braking locked the wheels, causing substantial damage.

Accident Details

A flight instructor was providing recurrent training to a private pilot in a wheel-equipped airplane that had been converted to a tailwheel configuration. The instructor occupied the right seat, and the private pilot sat in the left seat.

Sequence of Events

The private pilot had completed two successful stop-and-go landings prior to the accident landing. On the third landing, during the landing roll on a dry paved runway, the airplane veered slightly to the left of the runway's centerline. The flight instructor attempted to correct the deviation by applying a slight amount of right rudder. At the same time, the private pilot applied heavy braking, causing both main wheels to lock. The airplane subsequently nosed over.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021018X05342. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.