Probable cause
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing and the pilot's improper pitch control during the landing roll which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane reported that, he was landing for a second time on an uphill, 500 ft gravel strip. He completed a 3-point landing and applied full aft pressure on the control stick. During the bumpy landing roll, about 200 ft from the touchdown point, the tail went up in the air, and he tried to increase the throttle setting to full, but the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-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 GAA19CA530 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 1, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Chickaloon, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18
- N-number
- N72842
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1950
- 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.