On 2 Oct 2015, a PIPER PA 18-150 A150 was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's excessive brake application during landing, which resulted in a nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While practicing off-airport landings on a gravel bar as part of a backcountry course, a pilot applied brakes near the end of the landing roll, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; no mechanical issues were reported.
Event Details
A pilot, accompanied by a company safety pilot in the rear seat, was participating in a backcountry flying course. As part of this course, the pilot was practicing off-airport landings on a gravel bar. During the landing roll, the airplane approached the end of the gravel bar. At that point, the pilot applied the brakes. Consequently, the airplane nosed over.
Damage Assessment
The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the nose-over. The right forward lift strut and the empennage were damaged. No other areas of damage were specified.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine. The pilot indicated that nothing was wrong with the airplane prior to the accident that would have prevented normal operation. The pilot's account states that the airplane was functioning normally before the brakes were applied.