On October 25, 1989, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N4098A) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain proper control of the aircraft while taxiing, resulting in his foot slipping off the brake pedal and causing a collision with another aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Piper PA-31-350 rolled forward while holding short of the runway, striking the empennage of a stationary Beech C-99. The pilot reported his foot slipped off the brake pedal during the incident.
What happened
Two aircraft operated by the same company were positioned on the taxiway, waiting for individual takeoff clearances. Both planes had their engines running while holding short of the active runway. A Beech C-99, identified as N108SX, was positioned ahead of a Piper PA-31-350, registered as N4098A.
According to the pilot of the Piper aircraft, his foot slipped off the brake pedal while the plane was stationary. This loss of braking pressure allowed the Piper to roll forward unintentionally. The moving Piper struck the empennage (tail section) of the Beech C-99 that was waiting ahead.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain proper control of the aircraft while taxiing, resulting in his foot slipping off the brake pedal and causing a collision with another aircraft.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 25 Oct 1989 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Ontario, CA?
A Piper PA-31-350 rolled forward while holding short of the runway, striking the empennage of a stationary Beech C-99. The pilot reported his foot slipped off the brake pedal during the incident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Oct 1989 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N4098A, at Ontario, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain proper control of the aircraft while taxiing, resulting in his foot slipping off the brake pedal and causing a collision with another aircraft.
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