Probable cause
The instructor pilot’s delayed action and over application of brakes which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
While conducting an instructional flight in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, during the landing phase, the pilot receiving instruction touched down and the airplane began to veer towards the edge of the runway surface. The instructor pilot reported that, due to limited visibility he was slow to correct the veer. The instructor pilot took control of the airplane and applied the brakes which resulted in a nose-over and substantial damage to the rudder and right wing strut. The instructor pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA002 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 4, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wasilla, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Wasilla Airport (IYS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N3994Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.