Probable cause
The passenger's inadvertent application of the brake pedals during landing, which resulted in a noseover.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on a gravel airstrip, and the airplane bounced during touchdown. When it touched down again, the pilot began to apply the brakes, and, as expected, the tail of the airplane began to rise slightly. The rear seat passenger did not realize that this condition was normal and braced his feet against the rudder pedals, which applied increased brake pressure. The airplane nosed over resulting in substantial damage to the rudder, vertical stabilizer, and wing lift struts.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA086 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 13, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Sixmile Lake (AA06)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N37WP
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.