Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a soft-field runaway, the tail started to lift. He maintained aft pressure on the control stick, but the tail continued to lift, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left and right wing lift struts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot added that the wind was from 110º at 6 knots. The airport’s automated weather observation station reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was calm. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 16.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA422 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 16, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Palmer, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Palmer Buddy Woods Muni (PAQ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18S
- N-number
- N3982Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.