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Casualties unknown

Aircraft Hits Beverage Stand While Taxiing on Recently Reopened Taxiway (N35551)

Washington, PA, US

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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Jul 1990 Piper PA-31-350 accident near Washington, PA?

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.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Jul 1990 involved a Piper PA-31-350, registration N35551, operated by Castle Aviation, Inc., at Washington, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM OBJECTS WHILE TAXIING, AND HIS VISUAL LOOKOUT WAS INADEQUATE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23795. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.