20260915012659A

On September 15, 2026, a Piper cub, PA-18 was landing at a back country landing area near grass range, Montana. Upon landing rollout, the aircraft rolled over on its back, striking the propeller. The only person on board was the pilot. No injuries reported.

An interview with the pilot was conducted on September 22 via phone. The pilot stated he was scouting an area of blm land for hunting purposes. He was in the area roughly 15NM north of durfey hills. The pilot stated while scouting the landing area he observed what appeared to be another aircraft on the ground in some trees. He stated he circled a few times and saw a vehicle moving to the aircraft from a nearby road. The pilot stated at that point he assumed the other aircraft may have had a recent accident. He stated he made the decision to land and offer assistance.

The pilot reported during the landing he mis-judged the down slope of the runway from the air. He stated the winds were gusty, but after reaching the runway the winds lowered to 3-5 miles an hour. He reported these two in combination caused him to come into land faster than he anticipated. The pilot reported he began braking, but as he neared closer to the end of the landing area, he began to approach a fence at a moderate enough speed he began to increase braking pressure. The pilot reported the aircraft's tail began to come back up off the ground upon the increase in braking pressure. He reported he made the decision to brake firmly to get the aircraft to come to a stop. The pilot reported the tail continued to rise and the aircraft rolled over on its roof and the top of the wings. The pilot reported there was a prop strike at low RPM and at minimal speeds.

After speaking to the pilot, compliance action was determined to be appropriate. The pilot was counseled on better decision making, not feeling rushed or increased pressure due to outside influences. The pilot admitted he did feel pressures to help the other aircraft occupants who may need assistance.