On July 8, 1990, a Piper PA-31-350 (registration N35551) operated by Castle Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBJECTS WHILE TAXIING, AND HIS VISUAL LOOKOUT WAS INADEQUATE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During taxi for a local sightseeing flight, an aircraft struck a beverage stand located 20 feet 2 inches from the taxiway centerline. The pilot was providing a pre-takeoff briefing. The taxiway had been closed for an airshow and was later reopened.
Incident Overview
A pilot was taxiing an aircraft for a local sightseeing flight with nine passengers when the airplane struck a beverage stand positioned beside the taxiway. The pilot reported that he was giving his passengers a pre-takeoff briefing at the time of the collision.
Taxiway Context
The taxiway had previously been closed for an airshow and was reopened after the event concluded. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the beverage stand was located 20 feet 2 inches from the centerline of the taxiway. The aircraft involved has a wingspan of 40 feet 8 inches.
No Additional Details
The source does not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, or any injuries or damage. No information about weather conditions or ATC involvement was provided. The investigation's probable cause was not stated.