Probable cause
The student pilot’s inadvertent application of the brakes, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.
NTSB analysis
The instructor pilot reported that he was conducting training in a tailwheel equipped airplane, and during takeoff the student pilot inadvertently applied the brakes and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder. The instructor pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC23LA055 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 13, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18
- N-number
- N37WP
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.