19990707015049I

William p. moore, a pilot (certificate number 440380688) for baker aviation, inc., landed a Cessna 206 in Noatak with by pass mail and passengers on board. As he taxied in, he noticed a tanana air service lance being unloaded. Mr. Moore taxied in and parked his aircraft behind the lance. The agent, who serves both operators, was in the process of unloading the tanana air service aircraft so Mr. Moore unloaded his own aircraft and finished before tanana. Mr. Moore then returned to the pilot seat and waited for the unloading of the tanana aircraft to be completed. When the unloading was completed, tanana air service's aircraft taxied away. A tractor and cart containing the by pass mail and driven by the agent, pulled away from the ramp. Mr. Moore started his aircraft and began to taxi. A piece of by pass mail containing a tricycle had been left on the ground approximately eight feet in front of, and slightly to the right of the nose of 206. It was not in the pilots line of vision and he taxied into it,damaging his propeller. Baker aviation, inc.'s plan is to purchase another propeller, put it on the airplane, and obtain a ferry permit to return the aircraft to kotzebue, Alaska. The company also agreed to make a change to their operation's manuel which will require their pilots to inspect and ensure that the area in front of the aircraft is clear before entering the aircraft.