What happened
On September 14, 2008, a solo private pilot was operating a Piper PA-12, registration N3348M, performing a landing at an off-airport location near Slana, Alaska. During the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes with excessive force. This action caused the aircraft to nose over, resulting in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing lift struts. There were no injuries reported in the accident. The pilot reported that the aircraft had no mechanical issues prior to the event, and weather conditions were reported as VMC.