Casualties unknown

Airplane Strikes Sign Post While Taxiing on Dirt Road Next to Closed Airport (N23AF)

Panguitch, UT, US

On August 8, 1995, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N23AF) was involved in an aviation accident near Panguitch, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudgment of the distance from the sign post. 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
Aircraft registered N23AF
Aircraft registered N23AF. Photo: Lars Jacob / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot landed on a dirt road next to a closed airport, as permitted by the airport manager. While taxiing, a wind gust caused the left wing to strike a sign post, which separated from the airplane.

Accident Details

According to the pilot's statement, the airplane landed on a dirt road adjacent to a closed airport. The airport manager had reportedly granted permission for the pilot to land on the road, which ran parallel to the runway. The pilot had previously landed on the same road on multiple occasions.

During taxi to parking, the road began to curve to the right. The pilot reported feeling "a little push of the tail to the left" due to a wind gust. At that moment, the left wing of the airplane struck a sign post, resulting in the wing separating from the aircraft.

The pilot stated that he had been looking at the post prior to the impact, but did not believe the airplane was in a position to hit it.

Examination

The report notes that the road was parallel to the runway, and the pilot had used it for landing before. No further details about the airplane, airport, or conditions were provided.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 1995 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Panguitch, UT?

A pilot landed on a dirt road next to a closed airport, as permitted by the airport manager. While taxiing, a wind gust caused the left wing to strike a sign post, which separated from the airplane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 1995 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N23AF, at Panguitch, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's misjudgment of the distance from the sign post.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04376. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.