On February 27, 1996, a Cessna 180A (registration N9669B) was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsboro, OR. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from ground hazards while taxiing, compounded by maintenance personnel's failure to secure the manhole opening with appropriate warnings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft sustained damage after its left main landing gear fell into an uncovered manhole while taxiing toward the fuel island following landing.
What happened
Following the completion of a landing, the pilot taxied the aircraft toward the designated fuel island. As the aircraft approached the area, the left main landing gear rolled into an open manhole that had been exposed earlier in the morning. The sudden drop caused the left wing to contact the ground surface.
The investigation
Maintenance personnel were responsible for removing the manhole cover earlier that day. They failed to establish warning cones or other safety barriers around the open hole, leaving the hazard unmarked for taxiing aircraft.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from ground hazards while taxiing, compounded by maintenance personnel's failure to secure the manhole opening with appropriate warnings.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 27 Feb 1996 Cessna 180A accident near Hillsboro, OR?
Aircraft sustained damage after its left main landing gear fell into an uncovered manhole while taxiing toward the fuel island following landing.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Feb 1996 Cessna 180A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Feb 1996 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N9669B, at Hillsboro, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from ground hazards while taxiing, compounded by maintenance personnel's failure to secure the manhole opening with appropriate warnings.
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