Probable cause
The pilot's improper decision to land on rough, grassy terrain, which resulted in a nose-over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, while landing off-airport on rough grassy terrain, the airplane struck a "bump" and bounced. After touching down again, the pilot applied brakes with the tail up, attempting to stop the airplane before it reached the top of a hill. However, the airplane reached the top of the hill and then proceeded downhill with the tail up and hit additional bumps. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing lift strut.
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 GAA19CA388 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 5, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Talkeetna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA18
- N-number
- N5830C
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1962
- 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.