Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Nose-Over After Drifting Into Overgrown Brush During Landing (N814JM)

Kenai, AK, US

On May 17, 2003, a Piper PA-18-160 (registration N814JM) was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to compensate for gusting wind conditions during the landing flare, which resulted in the airplane encountering brush, and nosing over. Factors contributing to the accident were high brush, and gusting winds. 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 pilot landing at a private airstrip reported the airplane nosed over after drifting into uncut brush beside the landing tracks, causing damage to the wing, struts, rudder, landing gear, and fuselage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during landing at his private airstrip, wind drifted the airplane to the right of the intended landing tracks. The brush alongside the tracks had not been cut and was higher than normal, according to the pilot. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered the brush and nosed over.

Damage

The pilot stated that the airplane sustained damage to one wing, the lift struts, the rudder, the landing gear, and the fuselage.

Wind Conditions

The pilot mentioned that the wind may have been gusting as high as 20 knots at the time of the incident.

Location

The accident occurred at the pilot's private airstrip. No further location details were provided.

Aircraft and Pilot

No information about the aircraft type, registration, or engine count was given. The pilot was the sole occupant mentioned. There was no statement regarding injuries or fatalities.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030527X00726. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.