On 25 Aug 2018, a Piper PA18 150 was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll when the left main landing gear wheel got caught in a ditch, which resulted in a subsequent nose-over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll on a private grass airstrip, a tailwheel airplane's left main wheel entered a ditch obscured by long grass, causing loss of control and nose-over, resulting in substantial left wing damage.
Accident Overview
A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a loss of directional control during the landing roll on a private grass airstrip. The incident occurred when the left main landing gear wheel descended into a ditch that was hidden by long grass along the runway edge. The airplane then veered left into the ditch and nosed over.
Details
The pilot reported that the ditch was obscured by the long grass, making it difficult to detect during the landing. The wheel drop into the ditch caused the airplane to veer sharply left, leading to the nose-over.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing of the airplane.
Pilot Report
According to the pilot, there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot's report did not indicate any other contributing factors.
Contributing factors
PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation