On 11 Aug 2014, a PIPER PA 18-150 A150 operated by WILLIAMS STEVEN C was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilots excessive use of the airplanes brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot, unfamiliar with heel brakes, experienced a nose-over during landing in a tundra tire-equipped tailwheel airplane, resulting in substantial damage.
Accident Overview
A tailwheel airplane equipped with tundra tires and heel brakes nosed over during the landing roll at an off-airport site. The pilot, who was receiving instruction, reported that this was his first flight in an aircraft with heel brakes. He held a tailwheel endorsement but was not proficient in operating tailwheel airplanes. During taxi, he had difficulty reaching the heel brake pedals and had to remove his feet from the rudder pedals to apply the brakes.
Pilot Experience and Aircraft Handling
The pilot stated that during the landing roll the airplane veered slightly to the left, and he did not apply the brakes. The subsequent nose-over caused substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and left lift strut.
Mechanical Condition
The flight instructor reported to the National Transportation Safety Board that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Causes
PilotIncorrect use/operationStudent/instructed pilot