Pilot Peril: ‘Kenny’s Upside Down!’ the Voice Crackled Back

Friend’s backcountry landing went sideways but became proverbial teaching moment.

Jeremiah Bigelow

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

The running joke is, 'It’s always smooth for Bigelow.' It was. [Image: Joel Kimmel]

Key Takeaways:

An experienced pilot recounts a backcountry flying incident where a friend, Kenny, flipped his Kitfox during an off-airport landing due to hidden terrain hazards and abrupt braking, miraculously walking away unharmed.
The accident underscored crucial lessons for off-airport flying, including the importance of understanding individual pilot and aircraft limitations, thorough site assessment for unseen dangers, and the invaluable safety net of always flying with a wingman.
Ultimately, while off-airport flying offers adventure, the author stresses that risks must be managed through continuous practice, honest self-assessment, clear communication, and ensuring aircraft are appropriately equipped for challenging terrain.

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It was a brisk November morning. The weather was giving off all the inklings of a good day to fly. No snow on the ground yet, light winds, slightly overcast skies, and temperatures still hanging in the high 50s and low 60s.

My buddy Brad had flown into my strip—a 1,500-foot cow pasture with a dogleg turn and the occasional mound of manure, courtesy of my cows. Every time I cleaned my airplane, it seemed like the next takeoff or landing splattered fresh cow pie across the wings.