Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Nose-Over During Tundra Landing (N18ZF)

Mcgrath, AK, US

On June 16, 2004, a Piper PA-18 (registration N18ZF) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgrath, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the landing roll. A factor contributing to the accident was the presence of soft tundra. 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 commercial pilot landed on soft, wet tundra next to a creek, causing the main landing gear to dig in and the airplane to nose over, damaging the left wing lift strut, rudder, and vertical stabilizer.

Incident Details

A commercial certificated pilot was conducting a landing in an open area of tundra adjacent to a creek. Upon touchdown, the pilot perceived the tundra surface to be soft and wet. During the landing roll, the main landing gear tires dug into the soft terrain, resulting in the airplane nosing over.

Damage Assessment

The pilot, who also holds a certificate as an aviation mechanic, reported that the airplane sustained damage to the left wing lift strut, the rudder, and the vertical stabilizer.

Pilot Background

The pilot involved held both a commercial pilot certificate and an aviation mechanic certificate. No other details about the pilot or the flight were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040617X00830. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.