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Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over During Touch-and-Go Landings (N7509K)

Anchorage, AK, US

On November 7, 2003, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7509K) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, and the student pilot's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing 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 a touch-and-go landing, a tailwheel airplane veered left; the student pilot applied excessive braking, causing the airplane to nose over. Damage reported to propeller, wingtips, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.

Incident Summary

The accident occurred while a certificated flight instructor and a student pilot, who also owned the aircraft, were conducting touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the landing roll, the airplane began to veer to the left. The student pilot reported that he applied the right brake in an attempt to correct the veer. He then applied excessive braking action on both brakes, which caused the airplane to nose over.

Aircraft Damage

The airplane sustained damage to the propeller, wingtips, vertical stabilizer, and rudder. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Information

The student pilot had accrued approximately 17 total flight hours at the time of the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Nov 2003 Piper PA-18 accident near Anchorage, AK?

During a touch-and-go landing, a tailwheel airplane veered left; the student pilot applied excessive braking, causing the airplane to nose over. Damage reported to propeller, wingtips, vertical stabilizer, and rudder.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Nov 2003 Piper PA-18 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Nov 2003 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N7509K, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight, and the student pilot's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in the airplane nosing over. A factor contributing to the accident was the failure to the student pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031114X01905. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.