Aircraft nose-over during landing at gravel runway

Casualties unknown • Chugiak, AK, US

A student pilot experienced a nose-over accident while performing a full-stop landing on a gravel runway following several touch-and-go maneuvers.

What happened

A solo student pilot was conducting practice sessions involving touch-and-go landings on a 2,200-foot runway covered in gravel. After completing four successful touch-and-go operations, the pilot decided to execute a full-stop landing.

During the landing roll, the aircraft veered slightly to the left. In an effort to realign the aircraft with the center of the runway, the pilot applied the brakes. As the aircraft approached the end of the landing roll, the pilot inadvertently applied excessive brake pressure, which caused the airplane to nose over.

Findings

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical issues with the aircraft prior to the accident. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to its wings, fuselage, and empennage.

Probable cause

The pilot applied excessive braking pressure during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-07-05 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Chugiak, AK?

A student pilot experienced a nose-over accident while performing a full-stop landing on a gravel runway following several touch-and-go maneuvers.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-07-05 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N8918Y, at Chugiak, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot applied excessive braking pressure during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040706X00909. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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