Casualties unknown

Taxiway Excursion During Maneuver to Avoid Parked Aircraft (N5715C)

Prescott, AZ, US

On August 25, 1988, a Cessna 402C (registration N5715C) operated by Golden Pacific was involved in an aviation accident near Prescott, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

While taxiing, a pilot maneuvered left of the centerline to clear a parked aircraft, causing the left main landing gear to leave the asphalt and the airplane to pivot 90 degrees, collapsing the gear.

Incident Overview

During taxi operations, the pilot maneuvered the airplane to the left of the taxiway centerline to avoid a parked aircraft on the right. As a result, the left main landing gear traveled off the asphalt surface. The airplane then pivoted 90 degrees from its direction of travel, causing the landing gear to collapse.

Investigation Findings

Measurements of the taxiway width and the wingspan of the airplane indicated that the pilot had to position the airplane more than 3 feet but less than 7 feet left of the centerline to clear the parked aircraft while remaining on the taxiway. The incident occurred without any other reported factors or conditions.

Sequence of Events

The pilot initiated the leftward maneuver to increase clearance from the parked airplane. During this maneuver, the left main landing gear departed the paved surface. The subsequent pivoting motion led to the collapse of the landing gear assembly.

Aircraft and Taxiway Details

No specific aircraft type, registration, or operator information was provided in the source. The taxiway dimensions and the aircraft's wingspan were considered in the evaluation, establishing the required lateral displacement range of 3 to 7 feet left of centerline to avoid the obstruction.

Conclusions

The investigation did not assign a probable cause. The incident highlights the physical constraints of the taxiway relative to the aircraft's wingspan when maneuvering around obstacles. No additional analysis or contributing factors were identified in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26607. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.