Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control of the airplane during the landing touchdown, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the landing touchdown the tail immediately lifted and the airplane nosed over on the gravel runway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA195 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 18, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Palmer Muni (PAQ)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built JA30 SUPERSTOL
- N-number
- N826AK
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2015
- 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.