On November 28, 1985, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N32998) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Maria, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while taxiing at night, which resulted in a collision with an unmarked curb that protruded into the taxiway area. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Cessna 172S sustained significant structural damage after its landing gear collapsed while taxiing at night. The pilot attempted to navigate between hangars and a wash rack, colliding with an unmarked curb that protruded into the designated taxiway area.
What happened
Following the completion of a nighttime business flight, the pilot landed the aircraft and began taxiing toward the parking area. During this phase of ground movement, the pilot attempted to navigate the ramp by driving between two hangars and maneuvering around a wash rack. While executing this path, the aircraft collided with an unmarked curb located adjacent to the wash rack. The impact caused the landing gear to collapse, which in turn bent the right wing of the aircraft.
The investigation
The pilot provided a statement regarding the circumstances of the incident. He indicated that the curb in question protruded into an area of the ramp where aircraft are permitted to taxi. This obstruction was not clearly marked, contributing to the collision during the low-visibility nighttime operation.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while taxiing at night, which resulted in a collision with an unmarked curb that protruded into the taxiway area.
What happened in the 28 Nov 1985 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Santa Maria, CA?
A Cessna 172S sustained significant structural damage after its landing gear collapsed while taxiing at night. The pilot attempted to navigate between hangars and a wash rack, colliding with an unmarked curb that protruded into the designated taxiway area.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Nov 1985 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N32998, at Santa Maria, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance while taxiing at night, which resulted in a collision with an unmarked curb that protruded into the taxiway area.
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