On 14 May 2009, a PIPER PA-18-150 operated by NEWGREN STEVEN A was involved in an aviation accident near Kenai, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to maintain sufficient clearance from a tree during taxi operations. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot struck a tree with the left wing of their aircraft while taxiing to a parking area after an off-airport landing.
What happened
On May 14, 2009, a PIPER PA-18-150, registration N405TH, was involved in an accident in Kenai, Alaska. Following a personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, the pilot landed at an off-airport site. While taxiing toward a parking location, the aircraft's left wing made contact with a small tree. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. There were no injuries reported in the incident.
The investigation
The pilot reported that no mechanical issues had occurred prior to the accident. Weather conditions at the time of the event were reported as VMC with visibility of 25 statute miles.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to maintain sufficient clearance from a tree during taxi operations.