Probable cause
The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during a three-point landing, the tailwheel touched down first, and as the main landing gear touched down the airplane bounced. He applied more back pressure on the yoke, and as the airplane settled on the main landing gear it veered to the left. He applied right rudder and brake to no avail. Subsequently, the right wingtip struck the ground, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, the right-wing lift strut, and the empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 010° at 6 knots. The pilot landed on runway 9.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA156 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 11, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- The Eastern Iowa (CID)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108
- N-number
- N9457K
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- 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.