On June 13, 2006, a Piper PA-18 (registration N1325A) operated by Alaska Cub Training Specialist, Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. 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 associated with the accident was the rocky terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot conducted an off-airport landing in a tailwheel airplane. During the landing roll, the airplane transitioned from powdery sand to rocks, causing the nose to pitch down. The pilot had insufficient aft stick to stop the pitch, and the airplane nosed over, damaging the fuselage, wings, and lift struts.
Event Description
The pilot, who held a commercial pilot certificate, was performing a landing away from an airport in an airplane equipped with a tailwheel. The landing roll began on a surface of loose, powdery sand. Subsequently, the airplane encountered a rocky area. According to the pilot, the airplane's nose pitched down at that juncture. The pilot reported that he did not have enough aft movement of the control stick to prevent the nose from pitching down further. The airplane then nosed over.
Damage
The accident resulted in structural damage to the fuselage, wings, and lift struts.
Pilot Statement
The pilot indicated that no mechanical issues were known to exist before the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Jun 2006 Piper PA-18 accident near Palmer, AK?
A commercial pilot conducted an off-airport landing in a tailwheel airplane. During the landing roll, the airplane transitioned from powdery sand to rocks, causing the nose to pitch down. The pilot had insufficient aft stick to stop the pitch, and the airplane nosed over, damaging the fuselage, wings, and lift struts.
Were there any fatalities in the 13 Jun 2006 Piper PA-18 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Jun 2006 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N1325A, operated by Alaska Cub Training Specialist, Llc, at Palmer, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was the rocky terrain.