Probable cause
The student pilot’s incorrect tail wheel takeoff procedure, and the flight instructor’s lack of remedial action, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot receiving tail wheel instruction (student pilot) stated that during takeoff, he raised the tail wheel too high, and the propeller contacted the ground. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The student pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions and the flight instructor confirmed the student pilot’s statement. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspection revealed substantial damage to the wings and vertical stabilizer.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA128 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 16, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pahokee, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Palm Beach County Glades (PHK)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N6493
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1948
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.