Accident Details
On July 4, 2012, at about 1300 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18-180 airplane (registration N329DP) equipped with tundra tires and a tailwheel sustained substantial damage when it nosed over during landing at Goose Bay Airport, approximately 9 miles northwest of Chugiak, Alaska. The airplane was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) instructional flight under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed Birchwood Airport about 1245.
Pilot and Flight Information
The front-seat occupant, an airline transport rated pilot who owned the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The rear-seat occupant, an airline transport rated certificated flight instructor (CFI), was not injured. The pilot/owner held a current biennial flight review and a tailwheel endorsement. He had recently acquired the highly modified airplane, which included 35-inch Alaskan Bushwheel tundra tires and other performance enhancements. Neither he nor the CFI had previously flown this specific airplane. Before departure, they taxied to assess handling, and the pilot noted that he needed to apply brakes along with rudder to turn.
Landing Sequence
After an uneventful takeoff and a series of flight maneuvers, they proceeded to Goose Bay Airport for their first landing on the 3,000-foot gravel runway. The pilot intended to perform full-stop three-point landings. The CFI recommended a 50 mph approach speed with 10 degrees of flaps. During the landing, the pilot touched down on the main landing gear and then pulled the stick aft to lower the tailwheel. When the tailwheel contacted the ground, the airplane made a hard right turn. The pilot attempted to correct with left rudder, but the turn worsened. As the airplane approached the runway edge, the pilot applied heavy braking, causing the airplane to nose over.
Postaccident Findings
A postaccident inspection revealed no mechanical anomalies with the airplane. In a written recommendation, the pilot stated that he believed he should have secured a more seasoned instructor, expecting the instructor to take control or give clear verbal commands in such a situation.