AIRCRAFT 1 PRELIMINARY REPORT

On October 7, 1999, about 0940 Alaska daylight time, a wheel equipped Cessna 172 airplane, N4762D, sustained substantial damage after being struck by a forklift at the Bethel Airport, Bethel, Alaska. The airplane was taxiing to the operator's facility after landing. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) on-demand passenger flight under Title 14, CFR Part 135, when the accident occurred. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, Village Aviation, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The certificated commercial pilot, and the three passengers aboard, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a VFR flight plan was in effect. The flight originated at the Atmautluak Airstrip, Atmautluak, Alaska, about 0918. The pilot submitted a written report to the NTSB dated October 7. In his written report, the pilot indicated that he had landed and was taxiing to the parking area. He related that a forklift was unloading cargo on the ramp area adjacent to the airplane's intended parking area. As the airplane neared the parking area, the forklift struck the outboard end of the left wing of the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the outboard portion of the leading edge, including several wing ribs.

AIRCRAFT 1 FINAL REPORT

The certificated commercial pilot, with three passengers aboard, was taxiing to the operator's facility at the conclusion of an on-demand air taxi flight. The pilot said that a forklift was unloading cargo on the ramp area adjacent to the airplane's intended parking area. As the airplane neared the parking area, the forklift struck the outboard end of the left wing of the airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the outboard portion of the leading edge, including several wing ribs.

AIRCRAFT 1 CAUSE REPORT

The failure of the driver of the forklift to maintain an adequate visual outlook.

END REPORT