Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-31-350 near Fairbanks, AK — 2025-01-10

Final reportANC25LA016
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Date
2025-01-10
Location
Fairbanks, AK, USA
Airport
FAI
Aircraft
PIPER PA-31-350
Registration
N59826
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to recognize that an automated taxiway gate was closing, and the pilot’s failure stop for the closing gate.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while taxiing through an automated airport taxiway gate, the gate closed on the airplane which resulted in substantial damage to the right aileron. An airport surveillance video showed the airport taxiway gate closing, with warning lights that indicated a moving gate illuminated, and the accident airplane continuing to taxi towards the closing gate. The accident airplane then impacts the closing gate with its right wingtip and left wing leading edge. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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