On 26 Aug 2016, a PIPER PA18 150 operated by Swift Fork Air was involved in an aviation accident near Central, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to taxi on unsuitable terrain after landing, which resulted in an encounter with a washed out ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot diverted to an un-published airstrip due to poor visibility. After a normal landing, the right main landing gear dropped into a washed out ditch during taxi, causing the right wing to impact the ground and sustain substantial damage.
Incident Overview
A pilot diverted his aircraft to an un-published airstrip along his route due to poor visibility. After completing a normal landing, the pilot began taxiing to reposition the aircraft. During the taxi, the right main landing gear dropped into a washed out ditch, causing the right wing to impact the ground. The wing sustained substantial damage as a result.
Aircraft Condition
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunction or failure with the aircraft that would have precluded normal operation prior to the incident.
Aftermath
The aircraft was substantially damaged. The pilot did not report any injuries.