Accident Details
A pilot reported that he was conducting stop-and-go landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a dry, gravel runway. During the third landing, all three wheels were in contact with the runway, and he slowed the airplane with normal braking application. Abruptly, the tail of the airplane lifted, the propeller impacted the terrain, and the airplane nosed over.
Damage and Injuries
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, the right wing struts, and the rudder. The pilot reported that he wore a surplus U.S. Navy Flight Deck Crewman's helmet and utilized a four-point restraint system. He stated that if he had not been wearing the helmet, the injuries sustained to his face, head, and brain would have been serious or fatal.
Pilot Statement
During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the pilot stated that he was unsure whether a tailwind or his braking application caused the airplane to nose over. He reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting facility, Wasilla Airport in Wasilla, Alaska, was about 20 miles southeast of the accident site. At 1556, an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR) reported wind calm. On the NTSB accident form, the pilot reported that the wind direction was variable and the wind speed was light and variable at the accident site.
Guidance from Handbooks
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A, 2004) discusses braking application procedures for tailwheel airplanes, noting that brakes are used primarily to stop the airplane, slow it, or aid in sharp turns. It emphasizes that brakes must be applied smoothly, evenly, and cautiously at all times.
The FAA and Medallion Foundation Alaska Flight Review Guide (2014) discusses aviation life support equipment, stating that a helmet may help survive an accident, and that four- and five-point harnesses greatly improve occupant security compared to a three-point harness.