No fatalities

Commercial aircraft sustains fuselage damage after runway incursion (N2981D)

Anchorage, AK, US

On April 27, 2005, a Cessna 170 (registration N2981D) operated by David W. Wright was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadvertent taxi over a runway/taxiway identification sign while exiting the active runway, which resulted in structural damage to the fuselage. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot inadvertently taxied over a runway identification sign while exiting the active runway, resulting in structural damage to the aircraft's fuselage.

What happened

The incident occurred following the landing of a commercial aircraft. While the pilot was executing the exit from the active runway, he inadvertently taxied over a runway/taxiway identification sign situated adjacent to the taxiway. This maneuver resulted in structural damage to the fuselage of the airplane.

The investigation

Post-incident examination revealed that there were no preaccident mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the event. The damage was attributed solely to the ground contact with the signage during the taxiing phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadvertent taxi over a runway/taxiway identification sign while exiting the active runway, which resulted in structural damage to the fuselage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Apr 2005 Cessna 170 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A commercial pilot inadvertently taxied over a runway identification sign while exiting the active runway, resulting in structural damage to the aircraft's fuselage.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Apr 2005 Cessna 170 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Apr 2005 involved a Cessna 170, registration N2981D, operated by David W. Wright, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadvertent taxi over a runway/taxiway identification sign while exiting the active runway, which resulted in structural damage to the fuselage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050519X00636. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.