Capital City Fire/Rescue responded to an airplane wreck at Juneau International Airport Wednesday afternoon after strong winds destroyed a personal aircraft.
“A personal aircraft — a Piper Super Cub — was on the taxiway,” said CCFR assistant fire chief Ed Quinto in a phone interview. “A strong gust of wind picked it up and put it down in the median.”
The aircraft’s wings, prop and undercarriage were destroyed in the crash, but the pilot was not injured, Quinto said.
“Fortunately, he was not injured,” Quinto said. “He walked out and was standing there when we arrived.”
Rapid response by the airport staff helped to clear the taxiway, Quinto said, although some flights were diverted or canceled as of Wednesday evening.
Capital City Fire/Rescue responded after a personal aircraft was destroyed by high winds while taxiing at Juneau International Airport Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 2, 2020. (Michael S. Lockett / Juneau Empire)
“They should be open right now,” Quinto said. “Airfield maintenance responded pretty quickly.”
The owner of the aircraft, who was not identified, had been relocating the aircraft on the field when the crash occured.
• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.
