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August 11, 2014 · Piper PA 18-150 A150 · N8979D

Talkeetna, AK

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 11, 2014
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Talkeetna, AK
Aircraft
Piper PA 18-150 A150 (1975)
Tail Number
N8979D
Operator
Williams Steven C
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ANC14CA063

The pilot was receiving instruction in a tundra tire equipped tailwheel airplane. He stated that this was his first time operating an airplane equipped with heel brakes. Although not proficient, the pilot did possess a tailwheel endorsement. He reported that on taxi he had difficulty reaching the heel brake pedals, and had to physically remove his feet from the rudder pedals in order to apply the brakes. While landing at an off-airport site, during the landing roll the airplane veered slightly to the left and the airplane nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder and left lift strut. The pilot reported that during the landing roll he did not apply the brakes. During his initial call to the National Transportation Safety Board the flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Due to the pilots inexperience with heel brake tailwheel-equipped airplanes and his difficulty applying the brakes, it is likely that the pilot inadvertently applied to much brake pressure as the airplane neared the end of the landing roll and subsequently nosed over.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots excessive use of the airplanes brakes during the landing roll, which resulted in a nose over. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the training flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot was receiving instruction in a tundra tire equipped tailwheel airplane. He stated that this was his first time operating an airplane equipped with heel brakes. Although not proficient, the pilot did possess a tailwheel endorsement. He reported that on taxi he had difficulty reaching the heel brake pedals, and had to physically remove his feet from the rudder pedals in order to apply the brakes. While landing at an off-airport site, during the landing roll the airplane veered slightly to the left and the airplane nosed over sustaining substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder and left lift strut. The pilot reported that during the landing roll he did not apply the brakes. During his initial call to the National Transportation Safety Board the flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 AKDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA 18-150 A150
Tail NumberN8979D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWilliams Steven C
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 0
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 55 · Third Class · Minor
Crew 2Age 27 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 9000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46
Altimeter29.64 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data