Casualties unknown

1988-07-09: Maule M6-235 (N5647Y) — Egegik, AK

Egegik, AK, US

On July 9, 1988, a Maule M6-235 (registration N5647Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Egegik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual scanning during the landing roll on an uncontrolled beach environment, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a three-wheeled scooter crossing its path. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a three-wheeled scooter during its landing roll on a popular beach, resulting in the death of the driver and minor injuries to a passenger.

What happened

The incident occurred following an off-airport landing on a beach area that serves as a gathering spot for local residents. According to witness accounts near the accident site, the aircraft had successfully touched down and was proceeding along the ground during the landing roll phase of flight.

During this sequence, a three-wheeled scooter (ATV) crossed directly in front of the aircraft's path. The vehicle was struck by the spinning propeller. The impact caused substantial damage to the ATV. The driver, an eleven-year-old boy, sustained fatal injuries and passed away several days after the collision. The passenger, an eight-year-old girl, survived with minor injuries.

The pilot selected this specific beach site for the landing operation. While the location is typically occupied by members of a nearby community, the pilot stated that the primary objective for choosing this spot was to allow himself and his passengers to observe local fishing sites.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual scanning during the landing roll on an uncontrolled beach environment, which resulted in the aircraft colliding with a three-wheeled scooter crossing its path.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26094. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.