Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot, operating the airplane under Title 14, CFR Part 91, was landing at an off-airport site for the third time that day. He said during the final portion of the landing roll, the left main landing gear wheel hit a bump, and bounced about 2 feet into the air. He said as the main wheel came down, the tailwheel hit the same bump, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot said there were no problems with the airplane prior to the accident. The airplane received substantial damage to the right wing and right lift-strut.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC08CA132 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N285HC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.