N221BC

On August 11, 1999, about 1230 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-18 airplane, N221BC, sustained substantial damage during landing at a remote airstrip, about 12 miles north of Skwentna, Alaska, about latitude 62 degrees, 10 minutes north, and longitude 151 degrees, 00 minutes west. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight when the accident occurred. The airplane was operated by the pilot. The private certificated pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The flight originated at the Birchwood Airport, Chugiak, Alaska, about 1050.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), on August 16, 1999, the pilot reported he intended to land and inspect some personal property at the accident location. The airstrip, about 1,150 feet long, and 150 feet wide, had been in use several years ago, but over time had become slightly overgrown with bushes. The pilot said he made several passes over the strip to check for hazards and assess its suitability for use. The pilot decided to land toward the west, and touched down with the tail wheel first. The main landing gear tires then contacted several bushes that were taller than the pilot anticipated. The airplane then nosed over, and received damage to the vertical stabilizer, the rudder, and wing ribs on both wings.