Probable cause
The pilot did not clear the area surrounding the airplane prior to taxi, resulting in the airplane contacting a piece of baggage.
NTSB analysis
The operator reported that, after loading the airplane, the pilot started to taxi, and the left engine's propeller struck a piece of baggage that was left on the ramp after a prior flight. The propeller picked up the baggage and threw it onto the upper left side of the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC12CA015 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 15, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hughes, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Hughes (HUS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-31-350
- N-number
- N9FW
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.