FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Tailwheel Airplane Nosed Over During Landing at Off-Airport Site

Slana, AK, United States

On September 14, 2008, a PIPER PA-12 operated by GAVITT BRAD W was involved in an aviation accident near Slana, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over and substantial damage. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A solo private pilot reported that a tailwheel airplane nosed over after he inadvertently applied the brakes too hard while landing at an off-airport site. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and no preaccident mechanical problems were reported.

Incident Overview A solo private pilot reported that he was landing a tailwheel airplane at an off-airport site when the aircraft nosed over. The pilot stated that he inadvertently applied the brakes too hard during the landing. ## Damage and Mechanical Condition The airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing lift struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane. The source does not provide the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or a formal cause determination beyond the pilot's account.

Contributing factors

Unneccessary use/operationPilot

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 2008 PIPER PA-12 accident near Slana, AK?

A solo private pilot reported that a tailwheel airplane nosed over after he inadvertently applied the brakes too hard while landing at an off-airport site. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and no preaccident mechanical problems were reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Sept 2008 PIPER PA-12 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 2008 involved a PIPER PA-12, operated by GAVITT BRAD W, at Slana, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's excessive application of the brakes during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over and substantial damage.

More accident analyses