Piper PA-18-150 N4316Z accident near Delta Junction, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to identify the appropriate touchdown point, which resulted in a nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported he was landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush-covered, airstrip. Before beginning the approach, he determined the wind direction and a touchdown point. However, after landing, the right main tire dropped into a hole, the tailwheel impacted brush and small stumps, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder, lift struts, and wings. Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point and landed short of the airstrip. The pilot indicated there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA094 for the full record.