Probable cause
The pilot's excessive braking during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during the landing roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the main landing gear wheels encountered an area of rough and uneven terrain, causing a bounce, and the airplane briefly became airborne again. After touching down again, the pilot applied heavy braking, and the airplane nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the rudder and right wing lift strut. 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 ANC25LA075 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 11, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Landing Strip (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-18-150
- N-number
- N8979D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.