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Casualties unknown

Ground Collision Between Two General Aviation Aircraft at Run-Up Area (N79004)

Palo Alto, CA, US

On July 15, 2000, a Cessna 172K (registration N79004) was involved in an aviation accident near Palo Alto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Cessna pilot's inadequate visual lookout and misjudged distance to a standing Beech while taxiing for takeoff. 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

During taxi for departure, a Beech Baron and a Cessna attempted to reposition near runway 31's run-up area. The Cessna pilot misjudged clearance while passing, causing its left wing to strike the Baron's rotating propeller blades.

Background

Two pilots of a Beech (Baron) and a Cessna planned to depart using runway 31. They taxied toward the runway's engine run-up area. Upon arrival, the Baron pilot found the run-up area fully occupied by six other airplanes, so he held short. The Cessna pilot stopped in trail behind the Baron.

Incident Sequence

After a few minutes, an airplane vacated the run-up area. The Baron pilot then applied engine power to reposition his airplane into the run-up area. The Cessna pilot attempted to pass the Baron by proceeding between the Baron's right wing and another airplane located to the Cessna's right side. The Cessna pilot indicated that he misjudged his clearance. As a result, the leading edge of his left wing impacted the rear of the Baron's rotating propeller blades.

Damage

The collision resulted in contact between the Cessna's left wing leading edge and the rotating propeller blades of the Baron. The specific damage to each aircraft is not detailed in the available information. No injuries are reported in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Jul 2000 Cessna 172K accident near Palo Alto, CA?

During taxi for departure, a Beech Baron and a Cessna attempted to reposition near runway 31's run-up area. The Cessna pilot misjudged clearance while passing, causing its left wing to strike the Baron's rotating propeller blades.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Jul 2000 involved a Cessna 172K, registration N79004, at Palo Alto, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Cessna pilot's inadequate visual lookout and misjudged distance to a standing Beech while taxiing for takeoff.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21523. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.