Probable cause
The pilot's improper application of brakes during taxi in tailwind conditions, which resulted in a loss of aircraft control and subsequent nose over.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that while taxing the tailwheel equipped airplane, the slight crosswind became a tail wind. Both he and his passenger may have both hit the brakes at the same time, which resulted in the airplane nosing over and substantially damaging the tail.
There was no report of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14CA212 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 18, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Arlington, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Arlington (KAWO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 18A
- N-number
- N7474D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1957
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.