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A pilotless small aircraft streaked across Soldotna Airport's tarmac Monday night, crashing into another aircraft, utility trailer and a building before coming to a standstill.

Major disaster was averted as the plane just missed colliding with a fuel tank owned by Natron Air, an air taxi service located at the airport.

"He missed the Natron Air fuel tank by less than 10 feet," said Sgt. Robb Quelland of the Soldotna Police Department. "It was pretty amazing."

Quelland estimated that the plane reached speeds between 30 mph and 40 mph.

Gary Lamb, owner of the experimental plane, was replacing a carburetor on his fixed-winged, single-engine aircraft when he turned on the engine and the plane took off, Quelland said.

"The throttle stuck wide open," he said.

Lamb, who was partially inside the plane, attempted to slow down the aircraft but was unsuccessful and was ejected from the airplane.

When SPD and Central Emergency Services personnel arrived, Lamb was found on the pavement.

"He was making every attempt to get it under control before he was ejected," Quelland said. "Once he was ejected, the aircraft just traveled in its own direction."

While still in the plane, Lamb managed to avoid striking other aircraft and buildings on the tarmac. The plane traveled three-tenths of a mile before hitting a parked aircraft, a utility trailer and the Natron Air building prior to coming to a stop. A witness shut down the engine, according to the report.

The aircraft was destroyed. The damage to the building, airplane and trailer was estimated at more than $50,000.

Lamb was hospitalized, suffering from scrapes, bruises and cuts to the side of his head, said CES Fire Marshal Gary Hale. He also complained of knee and ankle pain. Lamb remained in the hospital as of Tuesday afternoon.

The Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and the city of Soldotna airport manager were notified.

No fire or fuel spill occurred. SPD received the call at 6:35 p.m.

Tim Pope, owner of Natron Air, estimated about $40,000 damage to his Gippsland GA-8 Airvan. He said they might have to replace a wing strut and the front cowling over the engine was damaged.

"We haven't even used the trailer yet. It's brand new," Pope said.

Pope said he was not sure about the damage to his building and fence but was expecting an insurance agent to examine it sometime Tuesday.

Pope and his wife, Janet, expressed concern for Lamb's well being.

"We prayed for him last night and this morning," Pope said. "This damage is a little bump in the road for us."

Clarion photographer M. Scott Moon contributed to this report. Mike Nesper can be reached at mike.nesper@peninsulaclarion.com.