Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Noses Over on Overgrown Remote Airstrip (N221BC)

Skwentna, AK, US

On August 11, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N221BC) was involved in an aviation accident near Skwentna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high vegetation. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A private pilot landing on a 1,150-foot remote airstrip experienced a nose-over after main landing gear contacted bushes taller than anticipated, damaging the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing ribs.

Incident Overview

A private certificated pilot was landing at a remote airstrip to inspect personal property. The airstrip, approximately 1,150 feet long and 150 feet wide, had been unused for several years and had become slightly overgrown with bushes.

Sequence of Events

The pilot made several passes over the strip to check for hazards and assess its suitability for use. Deciding to land toward the west, the pilot touched down with the tail wheel first. Immediately after touchdown, the main landing gear tires contacted several bushes that were taller than the pilot anticipated. This contact caused the airplane to nose over.

Damage

As a result of the nose-over, the aircraft sustained damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and wing ribs on both wings.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19404. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.