Probable cause
The pilot’s excessive use of brakes during landing, which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s inadequate supervision and the gusty tailwind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor reported that after evaluating an uphill off-airport landing site, the pilot receiving instruction proceeded with an approach to landing. The airplane touched down long due to excessive airspeed and a gusty tailwind. During the landing rollout, and as the airplane neared the crest of the hill, excessive braking was applied and the airplane subsequently nosed-over resulting in substantial damage to the right lift strut and rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC21LA054 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 1, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Private (PVT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N8996Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1974
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.