Casualties unknown

Pilot Loses Radio Contact, Collides with Taxiway Sign While Clearing Runway (N3875B)

Tucson, AZ, US

On June 6, 1995, a Beech E35 (registration N3875B) operated by Albert G. Freeman was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a taxiway sign while taxiing clear of the runway. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

While holding on Runway 29R, a pilot lost radio contact with the tower. After adjusting the volume control, the pilot received instructions to clear the runway. During taxi, the right wing struck a taxiway sign, damaging the wing spar.

Incident Overview

According to an official accident investigation source, an incident occurred while an airplane was holding in position on Runway 29R. The pilot reported losing radio contact with the tower. During this time, the pilot glanced at short traffic on Runway 21 and also noticed a red flashing light from the tower.

Sequence of Events

The pilot then touched the volume control knob on the radio and immediately heard the tower giving instructions to clear the runway. While taxiing clear of the runway, the airplane's right wing collided with a taxiway sign. The collision resulted in damage to the right wing spar.

Aircraft and Damage

The investigation source did not provide details on the aircraft type, registration, or operator. The only documented damage was to the right wing spar as a result of the collision with the taxiway sign.

Communication and Visibility

The pilot's loss of radio contact was temporary, and the tower's instructions were received after adjusting the volume control. The red flashing light from the tower was noted by the pilot, but the source does not specify its meaning or if it was related to the instructions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03743. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.