No fatalities

Experimental Amateur-Built Airplane Strikes Fence Posts During Taxi

Moab, UT, United States

On November 24, 2017, a KARPAYEV VLADYSLAV V RV-9 A was involved in an aviation accident near Moab, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable taxiway, which resulted in the wings striking hidden fence posts. This summary draws on records from NTSB.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

An experimental amateur-built airplane struck hidden fence posts during taxi after landing on a backcountry strip, causing substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Incident Details

According to the pilot of the experimental amateur-built low-wing airplane, he landed on a backcountry strip and began taxiing. While taxiing at approximately 15 mph, the left wing and the right wing separately struck fence posts. The pilot reported that the fence posts were surrounded by vegetation and were not visible. He continued taxiing to parking and then shut off the engine.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the leading edge and ribs on both wings as a result of the impacts.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

Effect on operationPilot

Other contributing factors

Decision related to condition

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Nov 2017 KARPAYEV VLADYSLAV V RV-9 A accident near Moab, UT?

An experimental amateur-built airplane struck hidden fence posts during taxi after landing on a backcountry strip, causing substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Nov 2017 KARPAYEV VLADYSLAV V RV-9 A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Nov 2017 involved a KARPAYEV VLADYSLAV V RV-9 A, at Moab, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable taxiway, which resulted in the wings striking hidden fence posts.