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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

August 5, 2002 · Cessna 172N · N739GV

Williamsport, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Williamsport, PA
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N739GV
Operator
Margaret Balliet
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
IAD02LA085

The student pilot initiated a left turn in front of a fixed base operator, to taxi to a runway. While looking to the right during the turn, the airplane's left wing struck a building. The student pilot had not previously practiced 180-degree turns while taxiing, and there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a building while taxiing.

Full Narrative

On August 5, 2002, at 1100 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N739GV, was substantially damaged when it impacted a hangar while taxiing at the Williamsport Regional Airport (IPT), Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The certificated student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the solo instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The student pilot reported that she had flown with her flight instructor in the traffic pattern on the day of the accident, and performed about seven touch-and-go landings. The flight instructor then asked her if she was comfortable with performing a solo flight in the traffic pattern. She agreed, and the flight instructor exited the airplane. The student pilot then initiated a left turn to return to the runway, and while looking to the right during the turn, the airplane's left wing struck a building. The student pilot reported that due to recent construction at the airport, she had to make an immediate 180-degree turn in front of the fixed based operator's building. She had not previously practiced 180-degree turns while taxiing, and came "too close to the building" during the maneuver. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector performed an on-scene examination of the airplane. According to the inspector, substantial damage was observed to the airplane's left main wing spar. Additionally, no mechanical deficiencies were noted. Weather, reported at Williamsport at 1053, included winds from 280 degrees at 4 knots, and visibility 6 miles.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 EDT
Nearest AirportWilliamsport Regional Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN739GV
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMargaret Balliet
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind280° @ 4 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 12000 ft
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data