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Airport Manager Struck by Wing of Taxiing Airplane While Responding to Accident (N43404)

Houston, TX, US

On August 20, 1999, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N43404) operated by D & N Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the person (the airport manager) walking on the taxiway and the inadequate visual lookout by the airport manager. A factor was the airport manager's diverted attention to the aircraft accident. 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

An airport manager on foot responding to an aircraft accident was struck by the left wing of a taxiing airplane. The flight instructor braked and turned but the wing contacted the manager, who slid backward over the wing surface.

Incident Overview

An airport manager was struck by the left wing of a taxiing airplane while he was responding on foot to an aircraft accident on the airport. The manager reported that as he was heading to the accident site, he observed two vehicles pass him on the taxiway and also observed a helicopter land at the accident site. He does not recall seeing, hearing, or contacting the airplane.

Pilot's Account

According to the flight instructor in the airplane, she was taxiing toward the accident site to provide assistance. She observed the airport manager walking adjacent to the left side of the taxiway. She stated that he looked at the airplane and continued to walk, and then "unexpectedly turned and looked at us (the airplane)" as he changed direction and moved toward the centerline of the taxiway. The flight instructor "braked, pulled the throttle back to stop," and turned the airplane away from the airport manager. The left wing then contacted the airport manager, and he "slid backwards over the wing surface."

Manager's Account

The manager reported that as he was responding to the accident site, he observed two vehicles pass him on the taxiway and also observed a helicopter land at the accident site. He does not recall seeing, hearing, or contacting the airplane.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1999 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Houston, TX?

An airport manager on foot responding to an aircraft accident was struck by the left wing of a taxiing airplane. The flight instructor braked and turned but the wing contacted the manager, who slid backward over the wing surface.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Aug 1999 Piper PA-28-151 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1999 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N43404, operated by D & N Flying Service, at Houston, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the pilot to maintain clearance with the person (the airport manager) walking on the taxiway and the inadequate visual lookout by the airport manager. A factor was the airport manager's diverted attention to the aircraft accident.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19524. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.