Aircraft: Piper Super Cub. Injuries: None. Location: Delta Junction, Alaska. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a rough and uneven, brush-covered airstrip.
Before beginning the approach, he determined the wind direction and selected a touchdown point.
After landing, the right main tire dropped into a hole and the tailwheel hit brush and small stumps. The airplane went over on its back.
Upon exiting the airplane, the pilot realized he had identified the wrong touchdown point and actually had landed short of the airstrip.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to identify the appropriate touchdown point, which resulted in a nose over.
NTSB Identification: ANC12CA094
This August 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
