Probable cause
The pilot's excessive brake application during the landing roll resulting in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, she over flew the sand bar that she wanted to land on, in order to ensure that the area was free of hazards. She reported that she executed the approach, touched down, and during the landing roll, "I hit the brakes too hard" and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and vertical stabilizer.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies 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 GAA16CA440 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 19, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18-150
- N-number
- N5408Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1964
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.