On May 16, 2003, about 1000 Alaska daylight time, a tundra tire-equipped Piper PA-18-160 airplane, N9877D, sustained substantial damage when it collided with terrain while maneuvering at a low altitude, about 50 miles south of Aniak, Alaska. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The solo commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on May 20, the pilot said he had taken off from an unimproved landing strip. He said his attention was diverted while adjusting his seatback cushion, and the airplane collided with the terrain. He said both wings, landing gear, and the fuselage were damaged during the collision with terrain. In a written statement received by the NTSB on May 28, the pilot reported he flew low over a spot to check its suitability for landing. While making the low pass he was attempting to adjust his seatback cushion, and the right tire struck the ground. The right main landing gear separated from the airplane, and the airplane impacted the ground.