TALKEETNA, AK, USA
N7174K
Piper PA-18
The commercial certificated pilot departed on a local area business flight to check on some of his hunting clients. The pilot said he did not locate the clients, but continued to aerial scout for sheep. He then decided to land in a clear area where he landed in the past. During the roll out, the pilot said brush along the left side of the area was taller that he anticipated. The left wing collided with the brush, and he attempted to keep the airplane straight by applying right brake pressure. The airplane decelerated and then nosed over. It received damage to the propeller, and the left wing lift strut.
On August 11, 1999, about 1900 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N7174K, sustained substantial damage while landing at a remote area, about 43 miles northeast of Talkeetna, Alaska, about latitude 62 degrees, 25 minutes north, and longitude 148 degrees, 32 minutes west. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) local area business flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The airplane was registered to the pilot. The pilot was operating the airplane for his hunting guide business, Alaska North Country Enterprises. The commercial certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. VFR company flight following procedures were in effect. The flight originated from the pilot's home in Big Lake, Alaska, about 1730. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on August 12, 1999, the pilot reported he intended to check on some of his hunting clients. After departure from his home, he did not locate the clients, but continued to aerial scout for sheep. At the confluence of the Yellowjacket Creek, and the Talkeetna River, the pilot decided to land in a clear area where he has landed in the past. During the roll out, the pilot said brush along the left side of the area was taller that he anticipated. The left wing collided with the brush, and he attempted to keep the airplane straight by applying right brake pressure. The airplane decelerated and then nosed over. It received damage to the propeller, and the left wing lift strut. After the accident, the pilot radioed a Northwest Airline flight passing overhead. He remained at the accident site until he was picked up by an Alaska State Trooper helicopter on August 12, 1999.
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor was high vegetation in the landing area.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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