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Distracted Pilot Collides with Three Parked Airplanes While Taxiing (N5346W)

Rubidoux, CA, US

On March 13, 1999, a Piper PA-28-150 (registration N5346W) was involved in an aviation accident near Rubidoux, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that he became distracted with paperwork on the airplane's dashboard and failed to maintain adequate clearance with other parked airplanes. 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

While taxiing for takeoff, a pilot became distracted by paperwork and failed to maintain clearance, resulting in the airplane's wing colliding with three parked airplanes.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, the incident occurred during taxi for takeoff. The pilot reported that he became distracted by paperwork on the airplane's dashboard and consequently failed to maintain an adequate clearance from other parked airplanes along the taxiway. This distraction led to the airplane's wing colliding with three parked airplanes.

Pilot Account

In the pilot's completed report, he acknowledged that the accident could have been prevented had he not diverted his attention while taxiing. The pilot did not specify the type of paperwork or provide further details about the taxiway environment.

Investigation Note

The source does not include information on aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, time of day, injuries, damage extent, or ATC involvement. No conclusions or contributing factors beyond the pilot's distraction are provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The pilot stated that he became distracted with paperwork on the airplane's dashboard and failed to maintain adequate clearance with other parked airplanes. He further reported that the accident could have been prevented had he not diverted his attention while taxiing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Mar 1999 Piper PA-28-150 accident near Rubidoux, CA?

While taxiing for takeoff, a pilot became distracted by paperwork and failed to maintain clearance, resulting in the airplane's wing colliding with three parked airplanes.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Mar 1999 Piper PA-28-150 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Mar 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-150, registration N5346W, at Rubidoux, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot stated that he became distracted with paperwork on the airplane's dashboard and failed to maintain adequate clearance with other parked airplanes. He further reported that the accident could have been prevented had he not diverted his attention while taxiing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001205X00341. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.