On 7 Oct 2013, a PIPER PA 18-150 A150 operated by Tom's Alaskan Air was involved in an aviation accident near Iliamna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll with a tailwind. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported that a tailwheel hitting a bump during an uphill landing on tundra with a slight tailwind caused the tail to rise, resulting in a nose-over and substantial damage to the rudder and wing strut.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that the accident occurred while the airplane was conducting an uphill landing on a tundra surface. A slight tailwind was present during the approach and landing. During the landing roll, the tailwheel struck a bump on the ground, causing it to bounce off the surface. The tailwind then acted on the elevated tail, causing it to rise further, which forced the nose of the aircraft downward, resulting in a nose-over.
Damage
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the rudder and a wing strut. The pilot did not report any other damage or injuries.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have prevented normal operation of the airplane. The pilot attributed the accident to the tailwheel hitting a bump and the slight tailwind, as described in the report.
Contributing factors
Causes
Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot