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NTSB Report
March 30, 2018 · Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 Undesignat · N53SL
Gila Bend, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gila Bend, AZ
Aircraft
Diamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 Undesignat (2005)
Tail Number
N53SL
Operator
Cae Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA189
The pilot reported that, after taxiing to the ramp, he set the parking brake. He added that he released the foot brake, the airplane rolled forward, and impacted a pole. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The flight safety officer reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, after the accident, he verified proper operation of the parking brake.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to properly set the parking brake, which resulted in an impact with a pole.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, after taxiing to the ramp, he set the parking brake. He added that he released the foot brake, the airplane rolled forward, and impacted a pole. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The Flight Safety Officer reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, after the accident, he verified proper operation of the parking brake.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:46 MST
Nearest AirportGila Bend Muni (0nm WSW)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftDiamond Aircraft Ind DA 40 Undesignat
Tail NumberN53SL
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCae Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-M1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Third Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 19 C
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time10:55
Weather SourceWFAC