On July 3, 2005, a Cessna 207A (registration N39AK) operated by Wings OF Alaska was involved in an aviation accident near Excursion Inlet, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a building while back-taxiing, which resulted in a collision with the structure. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot on an air taxi flight struck a building with his left wing while attempting to clear the runway for an arriving aircraft, resulting in structural damage.
What happened
The incident occurred at a remote airstrip involving a commercial pilot operating an on-demand air taxi flight. The pilot was engaged in back-taxiing operations along the strip when he observed another airplane approaching on short final for landing.
In an effort to quickly clear the landing area for the arriving aircraft, the pilot initiated a turn. However, this maneuver was executed too close to a small building situated near the airstrip. As a result of the tight turn, the left wing of the aircraft struck the structure, sustaining structural damage to that wing.
The investigation
The primary finding from the examination of the event is the physical contact between the aircraft and the stationary object. The impact resulted in structural damage specifically to the left wing of the aircraft involved in the operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a building while back-taxiing, which resulted in a collision with the structure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 3 Jul 2005 Cessna 207A accident near Excursion Inlet, AK?
A commercial pilot on an air taxi flight struck a building with his left wing while attempting to clear the runway for an arriving aircraft, resulting in structural damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Jul 2005 Cessna 207A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Jul 2005 involved a Cessna 207A, registration N39AK, operated by Wings OF Alaska, at Excursion Inlet, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a building while back-taxiing, which resulted in a collision with the structure.
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