Incident Overview
A pilot landing at a private airport used to support fish cannery operations reported that a truck entered the runway and struck the airplane during the landing rollout. The airport features a road running parallel to the runway with multiple intersections where motor vehicles cross the runway.
Pre-Landing Alert System
The airport is equipped with a pre-landing alert system designed to warn ground personnel of an approaching aircraft. According to the pilot, the system is activated by keying the aircraft's radio push-to-talk switch multiple times, which triggers a series of flashing lights and horns. The pilot stated that he activated this system before landing and proceeded to land to the north.
Collision Details
After touchdown, during the landing rollout at approximately 30 miles per hour, a truck entered the runway and struck the left side of the airplane. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Recommendations
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot suggested that the accident might have been avoided if the cannery provided initial and recurrent training for all employees on runway safety and aircraft operations. Additional recommendations included incorporating better signage at all runway intersection crossings and clearing brush and trees from the vicinity of the runway to increase visibility.