Probable cause
The pilot's decision to land on unsuitable terrain and incorrect brake application during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that during the landing roll on a sandbar, and as the sand transitioned from dry sand to wet sand, he applied brakes and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the lift strut and 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 GAA16CA204 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18
- N-number
- N2518A
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- 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.