Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain, which resulted in a nose-over on landing.
NTSB analysis
The solo airline transport pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at an 800-foot-long off-airport, gravel-covered site, at the conclusion of a Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that during the landing roll the main wheels sunk into an area of soft, rough terrain, and the airplane nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, fuselage and empennage. He reported that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC09CA099 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 16, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chickaloon, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N9840Q
- 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.