Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA 18-125 near Nikolai, AK — 2017-11-29

Final reportANC18CA017
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Date
2017-11-29
Location
Nikolai, AK, USA
Airport
8KA
Aircraft
PIPER PA 18-125
Registration
N1386A
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper decision to contact an unsuitable landing surface, which resulted in a nose-over.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he had completed one high- and two low-reconnaissance flights over the snow-covered runway in his tundra-tire-equipped, tailwheel airplane. Before landing, he intended to fly a low pass and drag the main landing gear along the surface of the runway to determine the depth of the snow. He said that, as the main landing gear wheels touched down atop the frozen layer of crusty snow, the wheels broke through, and the airplane's tail began to rise. In an effort to prevent a nose-over, he applied full power, but the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the rudder and both left and right lift struts. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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