Casualties unknown

Alaska Private Pilot Noses Over During Rescue Landing in Remote Drainage (N9950Q)

Wiseman, AK, US

On August 13, 2005, a Piper PA-18 (registration N9950Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Wiseman, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. Factors contributing to the accident were a short landing area, and pressure to conduct the flight, which the pilot stated was a rescue situation. 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 conducting Part 91 operations for his hunting/guiding business nosed over after landing in a short, swampy area to rescue a stranded hunter. The aircraft sustained damage and was repaired on site.

Accident Details

A private certificated pilot was operating under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in a remote area to support his hunting and guiding business. The Alaska State Trooper requested that the pilot land in a remote drainage to pick up a stranded hunter who had been at a camp for the previous five days. The hunter had been stranded after another hunt/guide pilot damaged the propeller of an airplane.

According to the accident pilot, the landing area was short, and he experienced difficulty stopping the airplane. The aircraft subsequently nosed over in a swampy, grassy area.

Post-Accident Actions

After the accident, the Alaska State Trooper flew the pilot and the stranded hunter out of the area. The trooper then returned with the accident pilot and a mechanic. The mechanic replaced the propeller and replaced one wing lift strut before the aircraft was flown out.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the landing area was "...not a good place to land, and I would not have gone in there if it had not been a rescue situation."

No further details about the aircraft type, registration, date, or operator were provided in the official source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20051028X01751. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.