N4762DCessna 172 1999-10-07 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

Cessna 172 S/N: 724736

Summary

On October 07, 1999, a Cessna 172 (N4762D) was involved in an incident near Bethel, AK. All 4 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The failure of the driver of the forklift to maintain an adequate visual outlook.

On October 7, 1999, about 0940 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 172 airplane, N4762D, sustained substantial damage after being struck by a forklift at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The airplane was taxiing to the operator's facility after landing. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, Village Aviation, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was in effect.

This incident is documented in NTSB report ANC00LA005. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N4762D.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, October 7, 1999
NTSB Number
ANC00LA005
Location
BETHEL, AK
Event ID
20001212X19897
Coordinates
60.810173, -161.849777
Nearest Airport
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
4
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the driver of the forklift to maintain an adequate visual outlook.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
724736
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
172 C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
WHITTOM RON JR
Address
PO BOX 870070
Status
Deregistered
City
WASILLA
State / Zip Code
AK 99687-0070
Country
United States

Analysis

On October 7, 1999, about 0940 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 172 airplane, N4762D, sustained substantial damage after being struck by a forklift at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The airplane was taxiing to the operator's facility after landing. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, Village Aviation, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was in effect. The flight originated at the Atmautluak Airstrip, Atmautluak, Alaska, about 0918.

The pilot submitted a written report to the NTSB dated October 7. In his written report, the pilot indicated that he had landed and was taxiing to the parking area. He related that a forklift was unloading cargo on the ramp area adjacent to the airplane's intended parking area. As the airplane neared the parking area, the forklift struck the outboard end of the left wing of the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the outboard portion of the leading edge, including several wing ribs.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ANC00LA005