On August 29, 1991, a Piper PA28-151 (registration N41306) operated by Gulf Aircraft Leasing, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPORT AGENT TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING IN REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO RAIN RESULTING IN THE COLLISION BETWEEN THE AGENT'S TRUCK AND THE AIRCRAFT SHE WAS SEARCHING FOR WHICH HAD STOPPED ON THE TAXIWAY TO AWAIT ASSISTANCE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot became lost and stopped on a taxiway. A ramp agent dispatched to assist collided with the aircraft in reduced visibility. The vehicle and aircraft traveled 350 feet before stopping.
Incident Overview
A pilot became lost while taxiing and stopped on a taxiway to await assistance. Ground control directed a ramp agent to locate and guide the flight. As the ramp vehicle traveled east on the taxiway in reduced visibility due to rain and darkness, it collided with the left rear area of the aircraft. After the collision, the ramp vehicle and aircraft traveled 350 feet before coming to a stop. The pilot then moved the aircraft forward an additional 340 feet to avoid a fire.
Operational Details
The speed limit on the ramp area is 20 mph. The ramp agent involved had a history of previous accidents on the airport and had received multiple citations for driving on public roads. In January 1991, the ramp agent had been counseled after an accident to slow down while driving and not to overdrive her headlights.
Oversight and Monitoring
The airport authority monitored employee driving records only for a suspended or revoked license. It did not monitor for accidents or traffic violations.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Aug 1991 Piper PA28-151 accident near Miami, FL?
A pilot became lost and stopped on a taxiway. A ramp agent dispatched to assist collided with the aircraft in reduced visibility. The vehicle and aircraft traveled 350 feet before stopping.
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 1991 Piper PA28-151 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Aug 1991 involved a Piper PA28-151, registration N41306, operated by Gulf Aircraft Leasing, Inc., at Miami, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPORT AGENT TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING IN REDUCED VISIBILITY DUE TO RAIN RESULTING IN THE COLLISION BETWEEN THE AGENT'S TRUCK AND THE AIRCRAFT SHE WAS SEARCHING FOR WHICH HAD STOPPED ON THE TAXIWAY TO AWAIT ASSISTANCE. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY…
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