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Passenger Intentionally Walks Into Propeller at Remote Alaska Airstrip (N4112D)

Gambell, AK, US

On June 29, 1993, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N4112D) operated by Bering Air, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Gambell, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The passenger's intentional act of walking into the propeller arc of a commuter airplane with its engines running, compounded by the absence of operating company or village employees on scene. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N4112D
Aircraft registered N4112D. Photo: Sir Mildred Pierce / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A passenger on a scheduled commuter flight intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another aircraft with running engines at a remote village airstrip in Alaska. The incident occurred during deplaning, and neither operator nor local staff were present to intervene.

What happened

At a remote village airstrip in Alaska, a passenger deplaned from one scheduled commuter airplane and intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another commuter airplane that had its engines running. Neither the operating company nor the village had an employee on scene at the time. During medical treatment, the patient stated that she had attempted suicide by walking into the running propeller.

The investigation

The investigation revealed that the passenger had intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another commuter airplane with its engines running. No other contributing factors were identified.

Findings

  • The passenger intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another commuter airplane with its engines running.
  • Neither the operating company nor the village had an employee on scene at the time.
  • The patient stated that she had attempted suicide by walking into the running propeller.

Safety message

This incident highlights the importance of having personnel present at remote airstrips to ensure passenger safety during deplaning and boarding operations.

Probable cause

The passenger's intentional act of walking into the propeller arc of a commuter airplane with its engines running, compounded by the absence of operating company or village employees on scene.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jun 1993 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Gambell, AK?

A passenger on a scheduled commuter flight intentionally walked into the propeller arc of another aircraft with running engines at a remote village airstrip in Alaska. The incident occurred during deplaning, and neither operator nor local staff were present to intervene.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jun 1993 Piper PA-31-350 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jun 1993 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N4112D, operated by Bering Air, Inc., at Gambell, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The passenger's intentional act of walking into the propeller arc of a commuter airplane with its engines running, compounded by the absence of operating company or village employees on scene.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12519. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.