1998-12-23: Cessna 207 — Kotzebue, AK

Casualties unknown • Kotzebue, AK, US

Probable cause

The pilot's selection of the wrong taxi route. A factor associated with this incident was the absence of taxiway lighting or marking.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The airplane was taxiing for takeoff at night on a 1,463 feet long, snow covered, unlit and unmarked, taxiway. The pilot inadvertently taxied onto an unmarked vehicle road which crossed the taxiway at a shallow angle. He realized he was not on the taxiway when he saw vehicle headlights in front of him. He turned the airplane toward the runway lights, and the airplane dropped into a ditch. Since being stationed at the airport, the pilot had used the taxiway three times, and always in the daylight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-12-23 Cessna 207 accident near Kotzebue, AK?

The airplane was taxiing for takeoff at night on a 1,463 feet long, snow covered, unlit and unmarked, taxiway. The pilot inadvertently taxied onto an unmarked vehicle road which crossed the taxiway at a shallow angle. He realized he was not on the taxiway when he saw vehicle headlights in front of him. He turned the…

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-12-23 involved a Cessna 207, registration N1864, at Kotzebue, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's selection of the wrong taxi route. A factor associated with this incident was the absence of taxiway lighting or marking.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11504. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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