On December 3, 2002, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N289HG) was involved in an aviation accident near Eastman, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in him stepping on his headset cord and becoming distracted, leading to the collision with a hangar. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot lost control of the aircraft while taxiing after becoming distracted by an entangled headset cord, resulting in a collision with a hangar structure.
What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was maneuvering the aircraft on the ramp area with the intention of parking. During this phase of ground operations, the pilot applied left rudder input to execute a turn. At that moment, the pilot failed to maintain an adequate visual lookout outside the cockpit.
While attempting to stop the turn, the pilot inadvertently stepped on the cord of his headset. This action caused his head to jerk downward abruptly. The sudden movement resulted in the pilot becoming distracted as he attempted to untangle his head from the headset cord. Due to this distraction and the loss of situational awareness, the airplane continued moving forward without control input sufficient to avoid an obstacle. The aircraft subsequently collided with a hangar located on the ramp.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in him stepping on his headset cord and becoming distracted, leading to the collision with a hangar.
What happened in the 3 Dec 2002 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Eastman, GA?
A pilot lost control of the aircraft while taxiing after becoming distracted by an entangled headset cord, resulting in a collision with a hangar structure.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 Dec 2002 Piper PA-28-161 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Dec 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N289HG, at Eastman, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain a visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in him stepping on his headset cord and becoming distracted, leading to the collision with a hangar.
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