On 5 Sep 2018, a Piper PA 12 No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain pitch control on uneven terrain during the landing roll, 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 airplane nosed over during an uphill landing at an off-airport unimproved site after hitting a bush or bump, causing substantial damage.
Accident Overview
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during an uphill landing at an off-airport unimproved landing site where he had previously landed, he applied the brakes. The airplane then struck a "bush or a bump," which caused the tail to rise. Subsequently, the propeller contacted the ground and the airplane nosed over.
Damage Assessment
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the empennage, fuselage, and wing spars.
Mechanical Findings
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.