28 Aug 2012: PIPER PA-18-150 — Richard T Gardner

28 Aug 2012: PIPER PA-18-150 — Richard T Gardner

No fatalities • Delta Junction, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to identify the appropriate touchdown point, which resulted in a nose over.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush covered, airstrip. Before beginning his approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. Upon landing the right main tire dropped into a hidden hole, and the tailwheel simultaneously impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed-over. During the nose over, the rudder, lift struts, and wings sustained substantial damage. Upon exiting the airplane the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point, and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Contributing factors

  • Contributed to outcome
  • cause Pilot

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 270/08kt, vis 10sm

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