Piper PA-31-350 N59826 accident near Fairbanks, Alaska

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 analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC25LA016 for the full record.