Aircraft wing strikes stationary truck during beach takeoff

Casualties unknown • Egegik, AK, US

A pilot performing a takeoff from a beach struck a parked pickup truck with the aircraft's left wing before successfully landing back on the sand.

What happened

During a takeoff attempt from a beach, an aircraft's left wing collided with a stationary pickup truck immediately after liftoff. Following the impact, the pilot managed to land the airplane back on the beach.

The incident occurred during a period of high tide, which forced the pilot to operate within limited takeoff space and proceed with urgency. According to the 3 passengers on board, the aircraft was actively maneuvering to avoid incoming water during the takeoff roll.

The pilot reported that while the truck was visible prior to engine start, it was not seen again until the moment of collision. At the time of the accident, the pilot was not using a cushion to increase forward visibility, as a new seat had recently been installed in the aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visibility of obstacles during takeoff, compounded by limited runway space due to high tide and a lack of elevated seating for better forward observation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-07-25 Cessna 207 accident near Egegik, AK?

A pilot performing a takeoff from a beach struck a parked pickup truck with the aircraft's left wing before successfully landing back on the sand.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-07-25 involved a Cessna 207, registration N9993M, operated by Markair Express, Inc., at Egegik, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visibility of obstacles during takeoff, compounded by limited runway space due to high tide and a lack of elevated seating for better forward observation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12753. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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