Casualties unknown

Aircraft Strikes Sign and Fence During Taxiway Confusion (N80893)

Boulder, CO, US

On November 20, 1991, a Cessna 172N (registration N80893) operated by Dakota Ridge Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE SIGN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 7 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot landed and was unable to exit at the first turnoff. After finding barricaded turnoffs, they taxied to the runway end, then back to a dirt road they mistook for a temporary taxiway, striking a sign and fence.

Incident Overview

A pilot landing an airplane was unable to exit the runway at the first turnoff. All other runway turnoffs were supposed to be barricaded closed due to taxiway maintenance. The second turnoff was barricaded as expected. However, the turnoff at the end of the runway was not barricaded, though it should have been.

Sequence of Events

The pilot then taxied back toward the area of the first turnoff. Upon arrival, the taxiway was barricaded. The pilot noticed a small dirt road exiting the taxiway and believed it to be a temporary taxiway erected by the maintenance crew. While taxiing on this road toward the ramp, the airplane's right wing struck a sign. The impact caused the airplane to spin, and its tail subsequently struck a barbed wire fence.

Findings

The investigation report notes that the end-of-runway turnoff was not barricaded despite being required to be. No further details are provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18440. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.