Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported he was practicing takeoff and landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, which required a correction for a light and variable southerly wind. The pilot stated that after touchdown, during the landing roll, the tail of the airplane rose up, but there was not enough elevator authority to lower the tail, and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, lift struts, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC14CA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 4, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Homer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Martin River Strip Aka Old Hea (N/A)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18-135
- N-number
- N8775C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- 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.