Piper PA-18-150 N4387Z accident near Willow, Alaska

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of control after a rejected takeoff, which resulted in a noseover.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was attempting to depart from an off-airport remote airstrip in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, the airplane encountered an area of rough and uneven terrain as the tail lifted off the ground, and as the airplane became airborne, he applied flaps and felt the airplane slow. The airplane descended and bounced on the airstrip. He felt he did not have sufficient airspeed for takeoff and aborted the takeoff. He reduced power and applied heavy braking, and the airplane subsequently nosed over and came to rest inverted, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA090 for the full record.