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Tailwheel Airplane Noses Over During Landing on Gravel River Bar

Palmer, AK, United States

On September 17, 2019, a Maule M 6-235 235C was involved in an aviation accident near Palmer, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in the airplane hitting a rut, bouncing, and then nosing over. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane veered right, hit a rut, and bounced during an off-airport landing on a gravel river bar. The pilot applied brakes, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted, with substantial damage to the right-wing lift struts and empennage.

Accident Sequence

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane was landing off-airport on a gravel river bar. During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the right and struck a rut, which caused it to bounce. In response, the pilot applied the brakes. The airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift struts and empennage. No other damage details were provided.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

No additional information regarding the aircraft, registration, operator, location, occupants, injuries, time of day, weather, or ATC involvement was specified in the source.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Sept 2019 Maule M 6-235 235C accident near Palmer, AK?

A tailwheel airplane veered right, hit a rut, and bounced during an off-airport landing on a gravel river bar. The pilot applied brakes, causing the airplane to nose over and come to rest inverted, with substantial damage to the right-wing lift struts and empennage.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Sept 2019 Maule M 6-235 235C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Sept 2019 involved a Maule M 6-235 235C, at Palmer, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing, which resulted in the airplane hitting a rut, bouncing, and then nosing over.

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