On July 27, 1993, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N3079M) operated by Ellington Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near League City, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with a motor vehicle on the taxiway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot taxiing for departure at an uncontrolled airport was struck by a lost motor vehicle driver who entered the taxiway, causing the left wing to separate.
What happened
The pilot proceeded to taxi his airplane to runway 13 for departure at an uncontrolled airport. The driver of a motor vehicle was lost and inadvertently entered the taxiway and drove the vehicle toward the airplane. As the pilot moved his airplane toward the right side of the taxiway, the vehicle impacted the left wing which separated from the airframe.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that the left wing sustained significant damage due to the impact with the motor vehicle. The separation of the wing from the airframe was a direct result of this collision.
Findings
Contributing factors included the loss of the motor vehicle driver and the lack of visibility or communication protocols at the uncontrolled airport that might have prevented the inadvertent entry onto the taxiway.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with a motor vehicle on the taxiway.
What happened in the 27 Jul 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident near League City, TX?
A pilot taxiing for departure at an uncontrolled airport was struck by a lost motor vehicle driver who entered the taxiway, causing the left wing to separate.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jul 1993 Piper PA-28-161 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Jul 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N3079M, operated by Ellington Flying Club, at League City, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain situational awareness while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with a motor vehicle on the taxiway.
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