Casualties unknown

2000-07-18: Piper PA-38-112 (N2400P) — Mazzei Flying Service — San Luis Obispo, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA, US

On July 18, 2000, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2400P) operated by Mazzei Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while taxiing to the runway, which resulted in his failure to see and avoid the fuel truck. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During taxi, a pilot's attention shifted inside the cockpit to check radio settings. Upon looking up, he saw a refueling truck outside the parking line. Despite evasive maneuvers, the right wingtip struck the vehicle.

Incident Overview

A pilot was taxiing from the ramp toward the runway. Before releasing the parking brake to depart the parking spot, he conducted a visual scan of the surrounding area and confirmed there were no people or vehicles present. While performing a brake check, he glanced down into the cockpit to verify that his radio had a standby option. He observed that no standby option was available and then redirected his attention outside the aircraft. He began moving the airplane forward.

Collision Sequence

As the pilot looked up from inside the cockpit, he noticed that a refueling truck had positioned itself outside the yellow parking space line. In an attempt to avoid a collision, he applied full left rudder and left brake. However, the right wingtip made contact with the vehicle.

Aftermath

The collision resulted in damage to the right wingtip and the refueling truck. No other details about the extent of damage or any injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X21513. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.