No fatalities

Nose Over During Landing on Soft Gravel Strip After Excessive Braking

Palmer, AK, United States

On May 27, 2016, a PIPER PA 18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's application of excessive brake during the landing roll on a soft gravel strip, resulting in the airplane nosing over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing off airport landings on a soft gravel strip applied excessive brake during the landing roll, causing the airplane to nose over. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right forward lift strut and empennage.

Incident Overview

A pilot was practicing off airport landings on a soft gravel strip when the airplane nosed over during the landing roll. The pilot reported that he applied excessive brake, which led to the nose-over event.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right forward lift strut and empennage. No other damage details were provided.

Mechanical Condition

The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that the landing was conducted on a soft gravel strip, and during the landing roll, he applied excessive brake, resulting in the nose over.

Probable cause

The pilot's application of excessive brake during the landing roll on a soft gravel strip, resulting in the airplane nosing over.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operationPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment