What happened
On December 15, 2011, a PIPER PA-31-350, registration N9FW, was being prepared for flight in Hughes, Alaska. After the crew completed loading the twin-engine aircraft, the pilot began taxiing. During this maneuver, the propeller of the left engine struck a piece of baggage that had been left on the ramp following a previous flight. The impact caused the propeller to pick up the baggage and throw it against the upper left side of the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. There were no injuries reported.
The investigation
The investigation determined that the baggage involved in the incident was left on the ramp area after a prior flight had concluded.