Casualties unknown

Elevator strikes barrier during taxiing at maintenance hangar (N4793C)

Anchorage, AK, US

On April 20, 2001, a DE Havilland DHC-2 (registration N4793C) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper maneuvering while taxiing, which resulted in the right elevator striking a cement barrier. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N4793C
Aircraft registered N4793C. Photo: André Gerwing / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A commercial pilot damaged an aircraft's right elevator while maneuvering into a parking spot bordered by cement barriers at a maintenance facility.

What happened

The incident occurred following the conclusion of a local flight operation. The pilot, holding a commercial certificate, was conducting taxi operations to position the aircraft for parking within a designated area adjacent to a maintenance hangar.

During the final approach to the parking spot, the pilot maneuvered the airplane toward a space defined by cement barriers on multiple sides. While executing a turning maneuver to align with the parking position, the tail section of the aircraft swung significantly to the right. This movement caused the outboard end of the right elevator to make contact with one of the cement barriers.

The investigation

The examination focused on the physical damage sustained during the taxiing phase. Investigators confirmed that the impact resulted in damage to the control surface, specifically the outboard portion of the right elevator. No other mechanical failures or pre-existing conditions were cited as contributing factors to the event.

Probable cause

The pilot's improper maneuvering while taxiing, which resulted in the right elevator striking a cement barrier.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010509X00911. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.