Bellanca 8GCBC N1217E accident near Lime Village, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive braking during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while landing at a remote, rough and uneven airstrip in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, he encountered several strong gusts of wind from the left, which pushed the airplane to the right. He said the right main wheel subsequently contacted an area of soft tundra-covered terrain, which resulted in a rapid deceleration. During the rapid deceleration, he inadvertently applied excessive braking action, and the airplane nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the left wing, lift struts and empennage. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA087 for the full record.