On 14 Sep 2017, a PIPER PA 11 NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Petersville, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s overapplication of brakes, 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 a wheel landing on an unimproved gravel airstrip after a gust of wind initiated a skid, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing lift strut and empennage.
Accident Details
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that the accident occurred while performing a wheel landing on an unimproved gravel airstrip. According to the pilot, during the landing roll, a gust of wind lifted the weight off the tires, initiating a skid. As the airplane settled back onto the airstrip, the tail rose rapidly due to the application of brakes, and the airplane nosed over.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut and empennage.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.