Bystander Struck by Aircraft Tail During Taxi on Gravel Beach

Casualties unknown • Dillingham, AK, US

An amphibious airplane struck a bystander on a gravel beach during a 180-degree turn while the pilot was taxiing toward a campsite.

What happened

Approximately 90 minutes after off-loading passengers and cargo, the pilot of an amphibious airplane returned to a gravel beach site. After landing on an adjacent lake, the pilot taxied up an inclined shoreline onto the beach, heading toward a campsite where the previous group of passengers had established themselves.

While taxiing across the beach, the pilot attempted a left-hand 180-degree turn to reposition the aircraft to face the lake. During this maneuver, the tail of the aircraft struck one bystander and narrowly missed a second individual. The pilot reported seeing several people on the beach at the time but did not observe the person who was struck by the aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-07-27 Grumman G-21A accident near Dillingham, AK?

An amphibious airplane struck a bystander on a gravel beach during a 180-degree turn while the pilot was taxiing toward a campsite.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-27 involved a Grumman G-21A, registration N4763C, operated by Fresh Water Adventures, at Dillingham, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout in order to see and avoid all ground personnel, his failure to follow company procedures and directives regarding Public Protection, and his disregard of the unsafe/hazardous conditions created by ground personnel in the intended area of taxi.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06145. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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