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Tailwheel Airplane Nose-Over During Short Field Landing Instruction (N36LE)

Anchorage, AK, US

On April 20, 2003, an Aviat A1 (registration N36LE) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Excessive application of the brakes by the flight instructor during a short field landing, 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During primary flight instruction, a tailwheel airplane nosed over after the flight instructor applied excessive brakes on a gravel airstrip.

Incident Overview

A student pilot was receiving primary flight instruction in a tailwheel airplane. The flight instructor was demonstrating a short field landing on a gravel airstrip. According to both the student and the instructor, shortly after touchdown, the instructor inadvertently applied the brakes too hard and for too long. The excessive application of the brakes caused the airplane to nose over.

Details from the Instructor

The instructor reported that the brake application was excessive in both force and duration. He stated that this resulted in the airplane nosing over immediately after the landing.

Sequence of Events

The flight was conducted as a training session focused on short field landing techniques. The instructor was performing the demonstration when the incident occurred. No other information regarding the location, time, or extent of damage was provided.

Conclusion

The nose-over was attributed solely to the excessive brake application during the landing roll. No other factors were mentioned in the source.

Probable cause

Excessive application of the brakes by the flight instructor during a short field landing, resulting in a nose-over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Apr 2003 Aviat A1 accident near Anchorage, AK?

During primary flight instruction, a tailwheel airplane nosed over after the flight instructor applied excessive brakes on a gravel airstrip.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Apr 2003 Aviat A1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Apr 2003 involved an Aviat A1, registration N36LE, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Excessive application of the brakes by the flight instructor during a short field landing, resulting in a nose-over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030422X00543. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.