Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue the taxi on unsuitable muddy terrain, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane with tundra tires, reported that after landing off airport next to a reservoir, the tires became stuck in muddy terrain. He further reported that he decided to "use power and elevator to unstick the tires". The tires loosened from the mud, however, when he applied additional power the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to its vertical stabilizer and rudder.
The pilot reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA010 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 6, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Boca Reservoir, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Amateur-built SUPER CUB SQ2
- N-number
- N786AB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2014
- 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.