On 11 May 2017, a PIPER PA18 135 was involved in an aviation accident near Seward, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's incorrect brake application during a high-speed taxi with a tailwind, 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.
During tailwheel instruction, a high-speed taxi in tailwind conditions led to loss of directional control and the airplane nosing over after the instructor applied brakes.
Accident Details
A flight instructor was providing tailwheel instruction to a pilot seated in the front of a tandem-seat airplane. The pilot did not hold a tailwheel endorsement. Earlier in the flight, multiple landings had been performed. The pilot then began practicing a high-speed taxi under tailwind conditions. As the airplane reached about 20 mph ground speed, directional control began to be lost. The flight instructor subsequently applied the brakes, and the airplane nosed over.
Aircraft Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer and left-wing lift strut.
Mechanical Condition
The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Weather Conditions
An automated weather observation station at the accident airport recorded the wind at 170° true at 9 knots around the time of the accident. The flight instructor reported they were taxiing north on runway 31.
Contributing factors
Causes
Instructor/check pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedIncorrect use/operation