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Night Taxi Distraction Leads to Nose Over and Collision with Concrete Pad (N24013)

Sarasota, FL, US

On May 22, 2002, a Cessna 206H (registration N24013) was involved in an aviation accident near Sarasota, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain compensation for surface wind conditions resulting in excessive taxi speed, a loss of control while taxiing, an excursion off the taxiway, collision with a concrete pad, and a nose over. 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

A pilot taxiing in a 10-knot tailwind at night was distracted by an animal or lights, left skid marks, departed the taxiway into grass, struck a concrete pad, sheared the nose wheel, and nosed over. The pilot was not injured.

Accident Sequence

The pilot reported taxiing in a 10-knot tailwind during "pitch black" night conditions. While taxiing, his attention was diverted by an animal or lights off the left side of the aircraft. Near the end of the taxiway, the aircraft left 102 feet of left main tire skid marks and 77 feet of right tire skid marks. The aircraft then ran off the taxiway into grass, collided with a concrete pad, sheared off the nose wheel, and sustained a nose over. The pilot was not injured.

Postaccident Findings

A mechanic examined the aircraft after the accident and found no evidence of preaccident brake abnormalities. During a postaccident interview with an FAA inspector, the pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions occurred during the taxi. The skid marks indicate the pilot applied brakes before departing the paved surface, but the aircraft continued and struck the concrete pad. The nose wheel was separated from the aircraft, and the aircraft nosed over, coming to rest on its nose or inverted. The pilot was uninjured and able to egress without assistance.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 May 2002 Cessna 206H accident near Sarasota, FL?

A pilot taxiing in a 10-knot tailwind at night was distracted by an animal or lights, left skid marks, departed the taxiway into grass, struck a concrete pad, sheared the nose wheel, and nosed over. The pilot was not injured.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 May 2002 Cessna 206H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 May 2002 involved a Cessna 206H, registration N24013, at Sarasota, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain compensation for surface wind conditions resulting in excessive taxi speed, a loss of control while taxiing, an excursion off the taxiway, collision with a concrete pad, and a nose over.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020529X00747. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.