Probable cause
The pilot’s abrupt maneuver to avoid a moose cow and calf during taxi, which resulted in an impact with a tree.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after landing on a gravel airstrip, during the taxi, a moose cow and calf ran onto the airstrip, moving from the pilot's right to left. She added that she veered to the left to avoid the animals and the airplane struck a tree.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage.
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 GAA17CA381 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 4, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Soldotna, Alaska
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N82639
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.