Noseover during landing training in converted tailwheel aircraft

Casualties unknown • Wasilla, AK, US

A flight training accident occurred when a pilot applied heavy braking during a landing roll, causing a noseover in a tailwheel-configured aircraft.

What happened

During a flight instruction and recurrent training session, a flight instructor was seated in the right seat of an aircraft that had been converted from a wheel configuration to a tailwheel configuration. The private pilot was operating the aircraft from the left seat. Prior to the accident, the pilot had successfully completed two stop-and-go landings.

On the third landing attempt, while rolling on a dry paved runway, the pilot allowed the aircraft to veer slightly to the left of the runway centerline. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the flight instructor applied right rudder. Simultaneously, the private pilot applied heavy braking, which caused both wheels to lock. This resulted in a noseover of the aircraft.

The investigation

The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage. During the review of the event, the flight instructor reported that there were no mechanical anomalies present with the aircraft prior to the accident.

Probable cause

The application of heavy braking by the pilot while attempting to correct a directional deviation caused the wheels to lock, leading to a noseover of the tailwheel-configured aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-10-11 Piper PA-22 accident near Wasilla, AK?

A flight training accident occurred when a pilot applied heavy braking during a landing roll, causing a noseover in a tailwheel-configured aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-10-11 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N7027D, at Wasilla, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The application of heavy braking by the pilot while attempting to correct a directional deviation caused the wheels to lock, leading to a noseover of the tailwheel-configured aircraft.

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.

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