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Cessna 195 Ground Incident: Taxiway Marker Strike After Landing (N4495C)

Charleston, WV, US

On March 4, 1992, a Cessna 195 (registration N4495C) operated by Billy H. Basham was involved in an aviation accident near Charleston, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TAXIWAY SIGN. 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

After landing on runway 23, a Cessna 195 exited onto taxiway A3. During a left turn, the right wheel entered soft dirt. The pilot applied power and left rudder; the tail swung right, striking a taxiway marker, damaging the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

Accident Details

The aircraft involved was a Cessna 195 operating a cross-country VFR flight. It had just landed on runway 23 and exited the runway to the left at taxiway A3.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot initiated a 70-degree left turn onto the taxiway, the right wheel of the airplane rolled off the right side of the taxiway into soft dirt. In response, the pilot increased engine power and applied left rudder. This caused the tail of the airplane to swing to the right, where it struck an airport taxiway marker.

Damage

The collision resulted in damage to the airplane's horizontal stabilizer and elevator. Following the incident, the pilot taxied the aircraft to the ramp without further incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Mar 1992 Cessna 195 accident near Charleston, WV?

After landing on runway 23, a Cessna 195 exited onto taxiway A3. During a left turn, the right wheel entered soft dirt. The pilot applied power and left rudder; the tail swung right, striking a taxiway marker, damaging the horizontal stabilizer and elevator.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Mar 1992 involved a Cessna 195, registration N4495C, operated by Billy H. Basham, at Charleston, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE FROM THE TAXIWAY SIGN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14236. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.