Piper PA 12 N92798 accident near Sisters, Oregon

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain pitch control during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot in the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the approach, the wind speed increased and became turbulent. He recalled that, during the landing roll, "I immediately applied a slight amount of forward stick," but when the tailwheel contacted the surface, "the wind suddenly changed to a tailwind," and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder, both wing lift struts, and the engine mounts.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The nearest METAR, located at an airport 1 mile away from the accident site, reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 290° at 10 knots, visibility was 10 statute miles, and the clouds were broken at 6,500 ft mean sea level and deteriorating. The pilot landed the airplane on runway 20.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA202 for the full record.