Casualties unknown

Tundra Tire-Equipped Airplane Noses Over During Landing (N7601P)

Orlando, FL, US

On June 29, 2006, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7601P) operated by George D. Kirby was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a on-ground encounter with the runway, and subsequent nose over. A factor contributing to the accident was an inadvertent ground loop. 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 private pilot landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on an asphalt runway experienced abrupt veering and subsequent nose-over. Post-accident examination revealed no mechanical malfunction.

Accident Sequence

A private certificated pilot was landing a tundra tire-equipped airplane on an asphalt-surfaced runway during a Title 14, CFR Part 91 flight. The wind was reported as 5 knots from the right. During the landing roll, the airplane abruptly veered to the right. The pilot applied left rudder, and the airplane then veered abruptly to the left. The pilot applied engine power to straighten the airplane, which lifted off the runway. After landing again, the airplane once again veered abruptly to the right. Application of left rudder caused the airplane to sharply veer left and nosed over on the runway.

Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the wings, the wing lift struts, the vertical stabilizer, and the rudder.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the wind conditions were not sufficient to have produced the abrupt heading changes he experienced. He reported that a mechanic examined the tailwheel and found that it possibly was binding.

Post-Accident Examination

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that an examination of the airplane did not reveal any mechanical malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060705X00874. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.