On 1 Sep 2019, a Piper PA 18 105 SPECIA was involved in an aviation accident near Chickaloon, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and the pilot's improper pitch control 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-equipped airplane nosed over during a bumpy landing on an uphill 500-ft gravel strip after the tail rose during the landing roll. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut.
Event Description
A pilot reported that while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on an uphill, 500-foot gravel strip, the airplane nosed over. The pilot had executed a 3-point landing and applied full aft pressure on the control stick. During the bumpy landing roll, approximately 200 feet from the touchdown point, the tail rose into the air. The pilot attempted to increase the throttle setting to full, but the airplane nosed over.
Damage
The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right-wing lift strut.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Contributing factors
Pitch control — Not attained/maintainedPilotEffect on operation