Alaska State Trooper aircraft nose gear collapse during landing

Casualties unknown • Mcgrath, AK, US

An Alaska State Trooper pilot experienced a nose-over accident while landing a tundra-tire equipped aircraft on a gravel airstrip.

What happened

During an approach to a 1,500-foot long rough gravel site, an Alaska State Trooper pilot was performing a landing in a tundra-tire equipped airplane. During the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes and pushed the elevator control stick forward. This action was intended to dampen the effects of the rough terrain.

However, excessive forward pressure on the control stick caused the aircraft to roll onto its nose. The impact resulted in the propeller and spinner striking the ground before the aircraft eventually came to rest upside-down. The pilot was not injured during the event.

The investigation

The investigation examined the physical damage to the aircraft, which sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident.

Probable cause

The pilot applied excessive forward elevator control during the landing roll on rough terrain, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-08-11 Piper PA-18 accident near Mcgrath, AK?

An Alaska State Trooper pilot experienced a nose-over accident while landing a tundra-tire equipped aircraft on a gravel airstrip.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-08-11 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N7051, at Mcgrath, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot applied excessive forward elevator control during the landing roll on rough terrain, 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/20070905X01311. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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