On 24 Oct 2011, a Piper PA-18-150 operated by Thermo King of Fargo & Isuzu Diesel Midwest, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Fargo, ND. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot applied excessive brake pressure while the tailwheel was still off the ground, resulting in a nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over during short field landing practice after the pilot applied excessive brake pressure while the tailwheel was still off the ground. The airplane came to rest inverted; the pilot and passenger exited through the main cabin door. Substantial damage occurred to the firewall, aft fuselage, wing struts, and rudder.
Accident Overview
During a short field landing practice in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot applied too much brake pressure while the tailwheel was still off the ground following touchdown. This caused the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted. The pilot and passenger were able to exit the aircraft through the main cabin door.
Damage Details
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane's firewall, aft fuselage structure, left and right wing struts, and rudder. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation were reported.
Pilot Report
The pilot noted that the accident could have been prevented had he not applied the brakes until the tailwheel had made sustained contact with the runway.
Probable cause
The pilot applied excessive brake pressure while the tailwheel was still off the ground, resulting in a nose-over.