Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll on a remote, unimproved airstrip, the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and lift struts.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA497 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 18, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Stony River, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N3872Z
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1961
- 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.