On April 27, 2005, a Cessna 170 (registration N2981D) operated by David W. Wright was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. 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.
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.