Short Final: Runway Obstructions

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Alaska experiences unique and often large runway obstructions, going beyond typical wildlife such as bears and moose.
  • An example of such an obstruction was a sunken ship located in the Ketchikan harbor, affecting an East-west seaplane lane.
  • This hazard was communicated to pilots via a NOTAM included in the ATIS for Ketchikan International Airport.
See a mistake? Contact us.

In Alaska, runway obstructions can be different. And large. Yes, there are the usual bears and moose. But sometimes it’s really big:

Last December, the following NOTAM was part of the ATIS at Ketchikan International Airport:

“Notices to Airman, there is a sunken ship in the Ketchikan harbor, East‑west seaplane lane, on the west end.”

Mark Helmericks
Anchorage, AK

Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE