Casualties unknown

Airplane Noses Over After Gravel Road Landing Incident (N8991Y)

Ely, NV, US

On July 14, 2003, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N8991Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Ely, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the road and the CFI's failure to adequately supervise the second pilot's landing and his delayed remedial action. 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

During a checkout flight on a gravel road, the airplane veered off the road after the second pilot failed to maintain alignment. The CFI's attempts to correct were simultaneous with the pilot's inputs, leading to a nose-over.

Background

A certified flight instructor (CFI) and a second pilot were conducting an airplane checkout flight. The CFI authorized the second pilot, who was handling the flight controls, to land on a gravel road. Wind conditions at the time were calm.

Mishap Sequence

After touchdown, as the airplane decelerated during the landing rollout, the second pilot failed to maintain the airplane's alignment with the road. The right main landing gear wheel rolled over the road edge, causing a loss of directional control. The CFI attempted corrective action by applying rudder pressure, but the second pilot had already applied rudder input. By the time the CFI responded to correct the airplane's course, it had already drifted toward the edge of the road. The CFI then attempted to regain control by increasing engine power, but found that the second pilot had already opened the throttle. The airplane subsequently veered off the road, entered a ditch, and nosed over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030718X01145. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.