On April 17, 1987, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N2183D) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's misjudgment of clearance while taxiing between a parked fuel truck and other aircraft, which resulted in the left wing striking the truck. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a local flight, the pilot attempted to taxi between a parked fuel truck and other aircraft but misjudged clearance, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.
What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff on a local flight. The pilot reported that he observed a parked fuel truck ahead and decided to navigate between that vehicle and a group of parked aircraft. In an effort to pass through the gap, the pilot misjudged the available clearance. As a result, the left wing struck the parked fuel truck.
The investigation
Post-incident examination revealed that the impact caused substantial damage to the airframe. No further mechanical anomalies were cited in the immediate narrative beyond the collision itself.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was the pilot's misjudgment of clearance while taxiing between obstacles. This error in spatial awareness resulted in the left wing contacting the stationary fuel truck, causing significant structural damage to the aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot's misjudgment of clearance while taxiing between a parked fuel truck and other aircraft, which resulted in the left wing striking the truck.
What happened in the 17 Apr 1987 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Columbus, OH?
During a local flight, the pilot attempted to taxi between a parked fuel truck and other aircraft but misjudged clearance, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 17 Apr 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N2183D, at Columbus, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's misjudgment of clearance while taxiing between a parked fuel truck and other aircraft, which resulted in the left wing striking the truck.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…