Casualties unknown

Check Pilot Injured After Severe Jolt During Search for Traffic (N6843A)

Anchorage, AK, US

On October 9, 1982, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N6843A) operated by Jerome P. Bushnell was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. 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

After departure, a flight received radar vectors near a VFR reporting point. Traffic advisories indicated two Boeing 747s. The check pilot loosened his seatbelt to locate one, then a severe jolt threw him against the ceiling, injuring his neck.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departure, the flight received radar vectors that placed it near a VFR reporting point. That point was located 4 miles past the departure end of runway 32 and 2 miles east of the runway centerline.

Sequence of Events

Approach control issued traffic advisories indicating two Boeing 747 aircraft: one climbing northbound and another on departure from runway 32. The check pilot reported seeing the Boeing 747 climbing northbound, which passed in front of his aircraft and at a lower altitude. He then loosened his seatbelt to look for the other Boeing 747. Moments later, the aircraft sustained a severe jolt. The force of the jolt threw the check pilot against the ceiling of the aircraft, injuring his neck.

Injuries

The check pilot sustained a neck injury as a result of being thrown against the ceiling during the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X04228. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.