On October 13, 2002, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N75164) was involved in an aviation accident near San Luis Obispo, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to observe the runway remaining distance sign while taxiing off the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot departed the active runway while attempting to follow air traffic control taxi instructions and collided with a runway remaining distance sign.
What happened
The aircraft was involved in a ground collision event at an airport facility. The incident occurred after the student pilot had successfully landed on the runway. Following the landing, air traffic control provided specific instructions for the pilot to taxi to the designated parking area via a particular route.
While attempting to comply with these taxi instructions, the student pilot exited the active runway surface. During this transition, the aircraft struck a runway remaining distance sign. The investigation determined that the pilot had failed to observe the sign prior to impact.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to observe the runway remaining distance sign while taxiing off the runway.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 13 Oct 2002 Piper PA-28-151 accident near San Luis Obispo, CA?
A student pilot departed the active runway while attempting to follow air traffic control taxi instructions and collided with a runway remaining distance sign.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Oct 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N75164, at San Luis Obispo, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to observe the runway remaining distance sign while taxiing off the runway.
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