On August 25, 1989, a Maule M-5-235C (registration N9114E) operated by Henry, Dale was involved in an aviation accident near Fairbanks, AK. 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.
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.