Probable cause
The pilots over application of the brakes while landing on a wet grass runway, which resulted in a loss of control and nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while landing the tailwheel equipped airplane on a wet grass runway, he applied the brakes during the landing rollout and locked up the tires. Subsequently, the airplane slid off the crown of the runway onto dry ground and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, empennage, and right lift strut.
The pilot reported no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA036 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Willow, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Long Lake (AK69)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-22-150
- N-number
- N7850D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- 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.