On September 5, 2002, a Piper PA-18 (registration N2410P) operated by John A. Oney was involved in an aviation accident near Nikolai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain while taxiing for takeoff, which precipitated an on ground collision with a tree stump. Factors contributing to the accident were soft terrain and the presence of tree stumps. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot taxiing a tundra tire-equipped airplane along a remote river bank struck a tree stump with the right wing after the right main landing gear entered a soft depression, causing leading edge and rear spar damage.
Incident Details
A commercial certificated pilot was taxiing a tundra tire-equipped airplane along the edge of a remote river in preparation for takeoff. The gravel area being used had several tree stumps along the river bank. During taxi, the right main landing gear tire entered a small, soft depression, causing the right wing to dip downward and strike a tree stump.
Damage Assessment
The impact with the tree stump resulted in damage to the leading edge and the rear spar of the right wing.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that while taxiing, the right main landing gear tire entered a small, soft depression, leading to the wing dipping and striking the stump.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Sept 2002 Piper PA-18 accident near Nikolai, AK?
A commercial pilot taxiing a tundra tire-equipped airplane along a remote river bank struck a tree stump with the right wing after the right main landing gear entered a soft depression, causing leading edge and rear spar damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Sept 2002 Piper PA-18 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Sept 2002 involved a Piper PA-18, registration N2410P, operated by John A. Oney, at Nikolai, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain while taxiing for takeoff, which precipitated an on ground collision with a tree stump. Factors contributing to the accident were soft terrain and the presence of tree stumps.
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