Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to pick up a friend from a remote hunting camp. According to the pilot, after touching down and rolling out on a gravel bar in the middle of a nearby river, a gust of wind (estimated at 40 knots) from the quartering left rear flipped the airplane on its back. There was substantial damage to both wings, rudder, and the front portion of the fuselage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 15, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N4001Z
- 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.