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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

September 12, 1999 · Cessna 172N · N534CA

San Jose, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
San Jose, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N534CA
Operator
Concord Flight Intl
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX99LA306

The airplane's left wingtip struck a pole as the pilot was taxiing for takeoff. The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun. He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left. He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout during taxi. Sun glare was a factor in the accident.

Full Narrative

On September 11, 1999, at 1802 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N534CA, was substantially damaged when the left wingtip struck a pole during taxi for takeoff at Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara County Airport, San Jose, California. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight. The airplane was operated by Concord Flight International, Inc., and rented by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was destined for Concord, California, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun. He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left. He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:02 PDT
Nearest AirportReid-Hillview Of S. Clara (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN534CA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorConcord Flight Intl
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 54 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 57
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data