Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ERA13CA123

Lancaster, PA, USA

Aircraft #1

N8385S

PIPER PA-32-301

Analysis

According to the pilot, while taxiing back to the hangar, she noticed a parked vehicle in the distance and off to the right of the taxiway she was traveling on. The pilot applied brakes to slow the airplane and looked to her right to ensure there was adequate space between the wing and the vehicle. The pilot returned her eyes to the taxiway in front of her momentarily but turned her attention to the vehicle once again for reassurance, at which time the airplane struck the vehicle, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

According to the pilot, while taxiing out to the runway in her low wing configured airplane, she was forced to steer her aircraft well to the right of the taxiway to avoid hitting a parked vehicle. When the pilot was taxiing back to the hangar she noticed the same parked vehicle in the distance and off to the right of the taxiway she was traveling on. The pilot applied brakes to slow the airplane and looked to her right to ensure there was adequate space between the wing and the vehicle. The pilot returned her eyes to the taxiway in front of her momentarily, but turned her attention to the vehicle once again for reassurance at which time the airplane struck the vehicle resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that could have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle while taxiing from landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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