N5544F

Substantial
None

Piper PA32RS/N: 32R-7780014

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, March 21, 2019
NTSB Number
GAA19CA174
Location
Atmautluak, AK
Event ID
20190321X84610
Coordinates
60.863887, -162.273895
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
5
Total Aboard
5

Probable Cause and Findings

The airplane's encounter with a snow-covered pothole during taxi.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
32R-7780014
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
PA32RP32R
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
7
FAA Model
PA-32R-300

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
RENFRO MICHAEL W
Address
PO BOX 872
City
BETHEL
State / Zip Code
AK 99559-0872
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while taxiing to the runway for departure, he felt a "large bump." The pilot immediately shutdown the engine and inspected the airplane. He identified damage to the right wing and landing gear.

The pilot further reported that he inspected the taxiway after he saw the airplane's damage, and the large bump he felt was the right landing gear encounter with a snow-covered pothole.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

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

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA19CA174