Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-18-135 near Palmer, AK — 2025-07-11

Final reportANC25LA073
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Date
2025-07-11
Location
Palmer, AK, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
PIPER PA-18-135
Registration
N27293
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive braking during the landing roll, resulting in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the landing after determining the landing area was unsuitable.

Contributing factors

Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the landing after determining the landing area was unsuitable.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while landing a tailwheel-equipped airplane at a remote off airport site, he added power twice to clear areas of rough terrain just before touchdown. When the airplane eventually touched down, it bounced and continued further down the site. During the second touchdown, as the landing roll continued, the pilot realized that there was not ample room to stop the airplane before reaching the end of the site, so he applied heavy braking action. The airplane subsequently nosed over, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder 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.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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