Probable cause
The pilot's excessive braking during the landing roll, resulting in a ground loop and nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll on a gravel bar, he applied brakes too aggressively on an area of soft ground. The airplane ground looped and nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC24LA100 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 15, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N4118Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- 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.