Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to maintain directional control during taxi. Factor is the rough/rutted condition of the airstrip.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot-in-command he felt there was a rock jammed in the left brake or wheel because during his taxi he felt the left wheel dragging. He added power and the airplane taxied over some ruts at the same time. The airplane made a quick turn and left the side of the runway striking a tree.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 14, 1993, at 1230 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-20 airplane, N4946M, registered to and operated by the Pilot-in-Command, ran off the runway and struck a tree at Circle Hot Springs Airstrip, Circle Hot Springs, Alaska, while taxiing for takeoff. The personal flight, operating under 14 CFR Part 91 was taxiing for takeoff at Circle Hot Springs and the destination was Fairbanks, Alaska. A visual flight rules flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the Pilot-in-Command and his passenger were not injured. According to the Pilot-in-Command during a telephone interview right after the accident, he felt the left wheel dragging during taxi and he added power. The airplane made a quick turn and ran off the side of the runway. According to the NTSB Form 6120.1/2 submitted by the Pilot-in-Command, he suspected that a rock had been jammed in the brake or wheel on the left side. He also stated that the wheels hit some ruts when he added power. He did not describe the width or depth of the ruts. -