On July 26, 2001, a Piper PA-28R (registration N47839) was involved in an aviation accident near Orlando, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual clearance due to a visual illusion and distraction, which resulted in the right wing colliding with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot taxiing to park experienced a visual illusion where a fence blended into its background. Distracted and failing to check wingtip clearance, the aircraft collided with the fence, damaging a wing rib.
What happened
The pilot was operating the aircraft on the ground, preparing to taxi to a parking area. During this phase of ground movement, a visual illusion occurred that obscured the visibility of a nearby fence. The fence blended into its background, and another fence located behind it further complicated the visual field.
The pilot reported being distracted during the maneuver. He did not perform a specific visual check of the wingtip to verify proper clearance from obstacles. As a result, the right wing of the aircraft collided with the fence. This impact caused structural damage to a rib within the wing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual clearance due to a visual illusion and distraction, which resulted in the right wing colliding with a fence.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Jul 2001 Piper PA-28R accident near Orlando, FL?
A pilot taxiing to park experienced a visual illusion where a fence blended into its background. Distracted and failing to check wingtip clearance, the aircraft collided with the fence, damaging a wing rib.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Jul 2001 involved a Piper PA-28R, registration N47839, at Orlando, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual clearance due to a visual illusion and distraction, which resulted in the right wing colliding with a fence.
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