19 Jul 2014: PIPER PA-18-150

19 Jul 2014: PIPER PA-18-150 (N9783D) — Unknown operator

No fatalities • Palmer, AK, United States

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadvertent application of excessive brake pressure during landing on a rough surface, which resulted in a nose-over.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

On July 18, 2014, at 2000 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-18A-150, N9783D, nosed-over and impacted terrain during landing roll on a gravel bar located in a remote location about 30 miles southeast of Palmer, Alaska. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The private pilot was uninjured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight that was not operating on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight originated from Wolf Lake Airport, Palmer, Alaska, at 1800 and was destined to the accident site location.

The pilot stated that he performed two low approaches over a gravel bar prior that he attempted to land on. He then performed a touch-and-go wheel landing on the gravel bar before attempting a full-stop landing. During the landing, the airplane struck a hole, which resulted in his increasing brake pressure and nosing-over of the airplane.

There were no mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • cause Incorrect use/operation
  • Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, vis 10sm

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