Probable cause
The pilot mistakenly using a closed taxiway for takeoff, which resulted in the airplane striking a construction barricade.
NTSB analysis
The airplane impacted a construction barricade while taking off from a closed taxiway. The taxiway was being prepared to be used as a temporary runway during future scheduled maintenance on the airport's main runway. At the time of the accident, the taxiway was closed while it was being painted with the temporary runway markings. However, the main runway was still in use for normal operations. There was an applicable Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) specifying that the taxiway was closed. The pilot stated that he mistakenly identified the taxiway as the active runway when he saw the temporary runway markings. The right main wing spar was substantially damaged when the main landing gear collapsed after striking the construction barricade.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA422 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 2, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Hibbing, Minnesota
- Nearest airport
- Chisholm-Hibbing Airport (KHIB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N88FN
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.