On 14 Oct 2016, a PIPER PA18 A was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The airplane's encounter with a depression while the pilot applied excessive braking during the landing roll on a grass airstrip, 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.
A tailwheel-equipped airplane nosed over during landing on a gravel airstrip after the right main tire encountered a ground depression, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and vertical stabilizer.
Incident Overview
During the landing roll on a gravel airstrip, the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane applied braking. The right main tire then encountered a ground depression, causing the airplane to nose over. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the vertical stabilizer.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage Assessment
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut and the vertical stabilizer. No other damage details were provided.