Casualties unknown

Tail-Dragger Nose-Over During Short Field Landing Practice (N5779D)

Laurel, MT, US

On June 12, 2003, a Piper PA-18A-150 (registration N5779D) was involved in an aviation accident near Laurel, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of airflow over the tail caused the slow forward roll over of the aircraft. 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 pilot reported a nose-over during short field landing practice after keeping the tail too high and reducing power, leading to loss of airflow over the tail and a slow forward roll-over.

Incident Overview

A pilot was practicing short field landings. During the first wheel landing, she achieved a full stop within 300 feet. On the second landing roll, she attempted to stop within the same distance. The pilot reported that she kept the tail too high during the wheel landing. She then reduced power with the tail still high and applied full brake at a low speed. The loss of airflow over the tail caused a slow forward roll-over, and the aircraft came to rest inverted.

Pilot Actions

The pilot's description highlights the sequence of events: maintaining a high tail attitude, reducing power, and applying full brake. The resulting loss of tail airflow led to the aircraft rolling over onto its back.

Conclusion

The aircraft sustained damage from the roll-over. No other details, such as injuries or specific aircraft model, were provided in the report.

Probable cause

The loss of airflow over the tail caused the slow forward roll over of the aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030613X00872. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.