Tailwheel Aircraft Noses Over on Gravel Bar During Landing

Casualties unknown • Palmer, AK, US

A private pilot lost control of his tailwheel aircraft while landing on a rough gravel bar, causing the plane to nose over and sustain structural damage.

What happened

The incident occurred during the landing phase of flight. The private pilot was operating a tailwheel-equipped airplane when attempting to land on a rough and uneven gravel bar. As the aircraft touched down and entered the landing roll, the main landing gear wheels encountered a depression within the gravel surface.

The pilot reported that he was unable to maintain directional control or prevent the aircraft from nosing over due to this terrain irregularity. The event resulted in structural damage to the airplane. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the aircraft prior to the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to avoid a depression in the gravel bar during landing, which caused the main landing gear to sink and the airplane to nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-04-10 Piper PA-18 accident near Palmer, AK?

A private pilot lost control of his tailwheel aircraft while landing on a rough gravel bar, causing the plane to nose over and sustain structural damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-04-10 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N8960C, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to avoid a depression in the gravel bar during landing, which caused the main landing gear to sink and the airplane to nose over.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050412X00439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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