Casualties unknown

Commercial Pilot Noses Over After Collision with Brush During Landing (N7174K)

Talkeetna, AK, US

On August 12, 1999, a Piper PA-18 (registration N7174K) operated by AK North Country Enterprises was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high vegetation in the landing area. 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 commercial pilot on a business flight to check hunting clients opted to land in a familiar area, but encountered taller brush, leading to a wing collision and nose-over, damaging the propeller and left wing lift strut.

Accident Overview

A commercial certificated pilot departed on a local area business flight to check on some of his hunting clients. After failing to locate the clients, the pilot continued to aerial scout for sheep. He then chose to land in a clear area where he had previously landed.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll-out, the pilot observed that the brush along the left side of the area was taller than he had anticipated. The left wing of the airplane collided with the brush. In response, the pilot attempted to keep the airplane straight by applying right brake pressure. The airplane decelerated and subsequently nosed over.

Aircraft Damage

The accident resulted in damage to the propeller and the left wing lift strut.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19400. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.