The pilot was landing at a private airport near Gustavus, Alaska, that is used to support fish cannery operations.
A road runs parallel to the runway with multiple intersections where motor vehicles cross the runway.
The airport is equipped with a pre-landing alert system to warn ground personnel that an aircraft is approaching. The pilot keys the aircraft radio’s push to talk switch multiple times, which activates a series of flashing lights and horns.
The pilot reported that before landing he activated the pre-landing alert system, and proceeded to land to the north.
After touchdown, but during the landing rollout, at approximately 30 miles per hour, a truck entered the runway and struck the left side of the Cessna 206. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
In the recommendation section of the NTSB Accident/Incident Reporting Form 6120.1, the pilot stated that the accident may have been avoided if the cannery provided initial and recurrent training for all employees on runway safety and aircraft operations.
In addition, the pilot recommended better signage be incorporated at all runway intersection crossings, and brush and trees be cleared from the vicinity of the runway to increase visibility.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the motor vehicles operators’ lack of attention, and improper decision to cross the runway with the runway alert system active, resulting in a collision with the airplane.
NTSB Identification: ANC14CA076
This September 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
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P. Anton says
September 21, 2016 at 8:40 amI was think the same thing. The cause of the accident was the pilot’s choice of landing on a runway where he might encounter a vehicle.
Paul says
September 24, 2016 at 11:55 amGee, the cause of the accident was the pilot’s choice to fly that day where he might have an accident rather than leave the airplane in the barn and avoid going in harms way!
Richard says
September 21, 2016 at 7:21 amWow, I can’t believe it. They actually didn’t blame the pilot for this accident.
PJ says
September 21, 2016 at 11:10 amI was waiting for Bill to chime in and say that “the car didn’t cause the accident…INERTIA caused the accident…all objects collide because of inertia!” (since he can’t use his usual “gravity brought the plane down” comment in this situation).
Richard says
September 21, 2016 at 11:18 amGreat Comment. LOL+++++