Piper PA 18-125 N1386A accident near Nikolai, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to contact an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he had completed one high- and two low-reconnaissance flights over the snow-covered runway in his tundra-tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane. Before landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow. He said that, as the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the frozen layer of crusty snow, the wheels broke through, and the airplane's tail began to rise. In an effort to prevent a nose-over, he applied full power, but the airplane subsequently nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and both left and right lift struts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC18CA017 for the full record.