Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, resulting in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, prior to landing on a dry lake bed, he made one low pass to assess the area where he intended to land. He reported that upon touch down, the wheels broke through the hard layer of the landing surface and there was mud underneath. The main landing gear wheels dug into the mud and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions during the flight with any portion of the airplane that would have prevented normal flight operations.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA282 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 30, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gerlach, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Black Rock City (88NV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built PA18WB/L21-180
- N-number
- N45EH
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- 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.