Casualties unknown

1999-01-05: Piper PA-31-350 (N6GR) — Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK, US

On January 5, 1999, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N6GR) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the driver of a vehicle to maintain an adequate visual lookout. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A taxiing aircraft was struck by a snowplow-equipped truck that backed across a taxiway. The truck's lumber rack hit the left wing, damaging the leading edge and wing ribs.

Incident Overview

On an unspecified date, a certificated airline transport pilot was taxiing an airplane with five passengers to the operator's facility at the conclusion of an on-demand air taxi flight. The taxiway connects the main airport complex with outlying operator's facilities located around the perimeter of a lake. Along the taxiway, there are private airplane tie-down lots.

Collision Details

A snowplow-equipped pickup truck was removing snow from a private airplane tie-down spot adjacent to the taxiway. The truck, operated by the owner of the tie-down spot, had a metal lumber rack in the bed. While positioning the truck, the owner backed across the taxiway into the path of the accident airplane. A portion of the lumber rack struck the outboard end of the left wing, damaging three feet of the leading edge, including several wing ribs.

Airport Regulations and Signage

The airport permits limited vehicular traffic on the taxiway, primarily service vehicles and aircraft owners. It is not open for use by the general public. Approximately 50 feet from the collision point, there are two signs. One sign facing south reads, "Caution Aircraft Operation Area - Yield to all Aircraft." The other sign facing north reads, "Aircraft Only - No Vehicles or Pedestrians on Taxiway."

Damage Assessment

The impact from the truck's lumber rack resulted in structural damage to the left wing. The damaged area extends three feet along the leading edge and involves multiple wing ribs. No information is provided regarding injuries or the extent of any other damage.

Probable Cause

The source does not state a probable cause for the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001204X00002. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.