Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Fence Post During Taxi on Plowed Taxiway (N525EH)

Homer, AK, US

On December 4, 1988, a DE Havilland DHC-6 (registration N525EH) operated by Era Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, a pilot was directed to taxi via a partially plowed taxiway. Due to darkness and blowing snow, the right wing struck a fence post where the perimeter fence rose in elevation.

Incident Overview

After landing, the pilot was advised to taxi to the ramp via the south taxiway, as it was the only taxiway that had been cleared of snow. However, only a portion of the taxiway had been plowed—approximately 12 feet in width out of the total 80-foot width. The cleared strip was located on the outer edge of the taxiway, adjacent to a perimeter fence.

Circumstances of the Collision

As the pilot taxied along the cleared path, his vision was restricted by darkness and blowing snow. Subsequently, the right wing of the aircraft struck a fence post at a point where the perimeter fence rose in elevation. The collision occurred with a post along the fence line.

Contributing Conditions

No other details about the aircraft, operator, or injuries were provided in the source. The accident investigation source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, location, or number of occupants. The statement only indicates that the taxiway was partially plowed, with the cleared portion positioned near the fence, and that environmental conditions (darkness and blowing snow) limited the pilot's visibility during the taxi.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Dec 1988 DE Havilland DHC-6 accident near Homer, AK?

After landing, a pilot was directed to taxi via a partially plowed taxiway. Due to darkness and blowing snow, the right wing struck a fence post where the perimeter fence rose in elevation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Dec 1988 involved a DE Havilland DHC-6, registration N525EH, operated by Era Aviation, at Homer, AK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27362. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.