No fatalities

Pilot Taxis onto Perimeter Road, Strikes Fence (N5815E)

Columbus, OH, US

On May 2, 1999, a Cessna 172 (registration N5815E) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbus, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance and his visual perception of the perimeter road as Taxiway Charlie. A factor in the accident was the absence of a sign identifying the perimeter road. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot mistakenly taxied onto a perimeter road instead of a taxiway, resulting in the left wing striking a fence. The incident occurred after the pilot received progressive taxi instructions from ground control.

Incident Overview

During taxi, a pilot requested progressive taxi instructions from the ground controller. The controller directed the pilot to taxi south out of the 'Airnet ramp' and then make a left turn to the east onto Taxiway Charlie.

Sequence of Events

The pilot complied by taxiing south and observed a sign with the letter 'C' (indicating Taxiway Charlie). However, instead of turning onto the designated taxiway, the pilot turned left onto a perimeter road. After completing the turn, the left wing of the airplane struck a fence.

Contributing Factors

A review of photographs taken after the incident revealed that the perimeter road lacked any identifying signage. Additionally, the airport diagram used by the pilot did not depict the perimeter road, which may have contributed to the confusion.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage to its left wing from the fence strike. No further details regarding injuries or other damage were provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 May 1999 Cessna 172 accident near Columbus, OH?

A pilot mistakenly taxied onto a perimeter road instead of a taxiway, resulting in the left wing striking a fence. The incident occurred after the pilot received progressive taxi instructions from ground control.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 May 1999 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 May 1999 involved a Cessna 172, registration N5815E, at Columbus, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain obstacle clearance and his visual perception of the perimeter road as Taxiway Charlie. A factor in the accident was the absence of a sign identifying the perimeter road.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18859. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.