No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Trees During River Turn (N9114E)

Fairbanks, AK, US

On August 25, 1989, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N9114E) operated by Henry, Dale was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT WAS TAXIING TOO FAST TO NEGOTIATE A BEND IN THE RIVER. TREES & THE RIVER BANK WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS. 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

While step taxiing on the Chena River to reach a straight takeoff area, an aircraft struck land and trees on the left bank during a right turn, sustaining damage.

Accident Overview

An aircraft was involved in an accident while step taxiing on the Chena River. The pilot reported that the aircraft was proceeding towards a straight section of the river intended for takeoff, when it encountered a right bend in the river before reaching the desired area.

Sequence of Events

During the taxi, the pilot initiated a right turn to navigate the bend. Approximately halfway through the turn, the pilot realized that even with full right rudder applied, the aircraft could not turn sharply enough to maintain sufficient separation from the left bank. The left bank was described as having overhanging trees. Subsequently, the aircraft struck the left bank and its trees, resulting in damage.

Damage

The aircraft sustained damage from the collision with the land and trees on the left side of the river. No further details about the extent of damage were provided in the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Aug 1989 Maule M-5-235C accident near Fairbanks, AK?

While step taxiing on the Chena River to reach a straight takeoff area, an aircraft struck land and trees on the left bank during a right turn, sustaining damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Aug 1989 Maule M-5-235C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Aug 1989 involved a Maule M-5-235C, registration N9114E, operated by Henry, Dale, at Fairbanks, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT WAS TAXIING TOO FAST TO NEGOTIATE A BEND IN THE RIVER. TREES & THE RIVER BANK WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29010. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.