On September 28, 2004, a Piper PA-18-180 (registration N3685Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a nose over. A factor associated with the accident was tundra. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot reported that during landing in a tundra meadow, the main landing gear broke through the surface, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft sustained structural damage to the left wing and lift struts.
Accident Details
A commercial certificated pilot was landing in a tundra-covered meadow. According to the pilot, two low passes were made over the site to visually assess the landing area before the accident landing. During the landing roll, the main landing gear tires broke through the tundra, and the airplane nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained structural damage to the left wing and left wing lift struts. The extent of damage was limited to these areas.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that preaccident mechanical anomalies existed with the airplane, though the specifics were not detailed. The pilot also noted that the condition of the landing site was checked visually prior to the landing attempt.