Probable cause
The airplane's encounter with a snow-covered pothole during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, while taxiing to the runway for departure, he felt a "large bump." The pilot immediately shut down 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 noted that the large bump he felt was due to the right landing gear's 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.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA174 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 21, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Atmautluak, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Atmautluak (4A2)
- Highest injury
- None
Piper PA32R
- N-number
- N5544F
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.