On 4 Sep 2014, a PIPER PA 18-135 was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported insufficient elevator authority to lower the tail after touchdown, leading to the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot practicing touch-and-go landings in a tailwheel airplane reported that after touchdown the tail rose, and insufficient elevator authority prevented lowering it, resulting in a nose-over. Substantial damage occurred.
Accident Details
A pilot was practicing takeoff and landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The wind was light and variable from the south, requiring a correction. According to the pilot, after touchdown during the landing roll, the tail of the airplane rose up. The pilot stated that there was not enough elevator authority to lower the tail, and the airplane subsequently nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause
The pilot reported insufficient elevator authority to lower the tail after touchdown, leading to the airplane nosing over.