Aircraft Collides with Maintenance Vehicles at Girdwood Airport

Casualties unknown • Girdwood, AK, US

A private pilot escaped injury after his ski-equipped airplane struck snow removal vehicles during a landing attempt at the Girdwood Airport in Alaska.

What happened

While attempting to land at the Girdwood Airport in Girdwood, Alaska, a pilot operating a ski-equipped airplane observed snow removal equipment on the runway. The pilot initially flew over the airstrip and then returned to perform a touch-and-go landing, under the assumption that the personnel would move the equipment upon seeing his approach.

Following the successful touch-and-go, the pilot attempted a full-stop landing. However, the landing roll lasted longer than anticipated. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot attempted to turn the airplane toward a clear area at the edge of the strip to reduce speed. During this maneuver, the pilot lost directional control and steered the aircraft into two maintenance vehicles.

The collision resulted in no injuries to the pilot. The maintenance vehicles, which were parked outside the runway perimeter marking cones, sustained only superficial damage. The airplane, however, sustained substantial damage.

Probable cause

The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft while attempting to turn toward a clear area at the end of the runway during a landing roll that exceeded his anticipated distance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-12-29 Piper PA-22 accident near Girdwood, AK?

A private pilot escaped injury after his ski-equipped airplane struck snow removal vehicles during a landing attempt at the Girdwood Airport in Alaska.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-12-29 involved a Piper PA-22, registration N2447P, operated by Duncan, David G., at Girdwood, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft while attempting to turn toward a clear area at the end of the runway during a landing roll that exceeded his anticipated distance.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27367. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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