On 27 May 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.
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.