20240514009119A

The operator reported that the objective was to start PA-18 “off-airport training.” the accident airstrip altitude was about 2,500 feet and was about 600 feet long. The wind was blowing up hill at about five to ten knots. The surface of the strip was gravel and there were no trees or brush obstructing either end. The first landing was about 100 feet beyond the desired touchdown spot to a full stop into the wind with the flight instructor applying the brakes. The airplane was started and taxied back to the upper end of the strip with verbal instruction provided on off airport taxiing. Take off was uneventful and the pilot receiving training circled to make another landing. The second landing was made to the desired spot but bounced substantially. The pilot receiving training maintained good rudder control and kept the airplane relatively centered on the runway during rollout despite repeated bouncing. The flight instructor again assisted with brake application and the airplane stopped approximately halfway down the airstrip. The decision was made to make a third landing to get a smoother touchdown with the pilot receiving training applying brakes. Takeoff was uneventful. The pilot receiving training touched down on the desired spot, this time with a smaller bounce, followed by what appeared to be a normal rollout in a three-point attitude. However, about half-way down the strip the airplane decelerated quickly, and the tail began to rise. The stick was pinned full aft but before any verbal correction to the braking could be made the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder, right wing and right main lift strut. The operator stated that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.