On July 20, 1997, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N6822L) was involved in an aviation accident near Wasilla, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed taxi, which resulted from allowing a nonpilot passenger in the rear seat to interfere with the rudder pedals. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed a short runway during an unauthorized high-speed taxi maneuver conducted by a passenger from the rear seat, leading to a collision with trees just above ground level.
What happened
The aircraft departed the end of a runway measuring 1,000 feet in length and 75 feet in width. Shortly after leaving the paved surface, the airplane struck trees located approximately ten feet above the ground.
According to the pilot's account, the incident originated from an unauthorized maneuver initiated by a nonpilot passenger seated in the rear cabin. The pilot permitted this individual to perform a high-speed taxi while occupying the back seat. During this operation, the passenger's feet became trapped within the rudder pedals. This physical entanglement caused unintended control inputs that resulted in the airplane becoming airborne prematurely and departing the runway environment.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events leading to the accident. The primary finding centered on the loss of directional control due to the passenger's interference with the flight controls during the taxi phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed taxi, which resulted from allowing a nonpilot passenger in the rear seat to interfere with the rudder pedals.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 20 Jul 1997 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Wasilla, AK?
An aircraft departed a short runway during an unauthorized high-speed taxi maneuver conducted by a passenger from the rear seat, leading to a collision with trees just above ground level.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 20 Jul 1997 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N6822L, at Wasilla, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a high-speed taxi, which resulted from allowing a nonpilot passenger in the rear seat to interfere with the rudder pedals.
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