NTSB Factual Report

On August 18, 2001, about 1630 Alaska daylight time, a wheel-equipped Piper PA-18-135 airplane, N9963Q, received substantial damage while landing at an off airport site about 18 miles southeast of Palmer, Alaska, at the base of the Kink Glacier. The solo airline transport certificated pilot was not injured. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the Sky Ranch Airstrip, Palmer, about 1300.

In a written statement to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge dated September 11, the pilot wrote: "During transition from landing rollout to taxi, I used too much braking for conditions. Airplane went up on its nose, then gently over onto its back." The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing, and left wing lift strut.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive use of brakes during the landing roll.