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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

May 1, 2006 · Cessna 172S · N534SP

Big Bear, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 2006
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Big Bear, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 172S
Tail Number
N534SP
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX06CA157

The airplane's right wing tip hit a light pole during taxi. While taxiing toward the run up area, the pilot noticed that a twin engine airplane behind him was in a hurry, because the twin was gaining on him. The pilot moved to the side of the taxiway in order to let the twin engine airplane pass while he did his run-up. He watched his right wing tip as he was turning in order to clear a light pole. He diverted his attention his left wing. That is when his right wing tip hit the pole.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain wing clearance from a pole during taxi.

Full Narrative

On April 30, 2006, about 1730 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172S, N534SP, collided with a pole during taxi at Big Bear, California. Edwards Aero Club was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. The cross-country personal flight departed Edwards Air Force Base, California, about 1015, with a planned destination of Big Bear. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had been filed. The pilot submitted a written report. The pilot was taxiing to runway 26 at Big Bear around 1730. He noticed a small twin engine airplane land. The twin engine airplane taxiied back to the runway behind the Cessna 172. The pilot noticed that the twin engine airplane seemed to be in a hurry, because it was gaining on the 172 during taxi. The pilot said he pulled off the taxiway to do his run-up and let the pilot of the twin engine airplane pass. He watched his right wing tip as he was turning in order to clear a light pole. When he felt that he would clear the pole, he diverted his attention to his left wing. That is when he felt his right wing tip hit the pole. He shutdown the engine and secured the airplane. The pilot stated that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 PDT
Nearest AirportBIGBEAR (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172S
Tail NumberN534SP
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 34 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260°
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data