Incident Details
The pilot reported that while taxiing to the active runway, he observed a black oval, approximately 4-5 feet in diameter, on the taxiway about 50 yards ahead. Believing it to be a wet spot or an area of new pavement, he began to steer around it. As he approached, he glanced to the left and noticed sinkholes in the adjacent field. When he looked back at the taxiway, the airplane suddenly sank into the taxiway.
The airplane came to a stop after the right wheel fell into the sinkhole and the fuselage impacted the taxiway surface. The hole had opened to about 9-10 feet across and 7-8 feet deep. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Airport Response
During a post-accident interview, the airport manager stated that she was unaware of sinkholes on any safety areas at the airport, including the taxiway. After the accident, the airport immediately issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) closing the taxiway.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.