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Casualties unknown

Two Aircraft Collide During Taxi at Run-up Area (N39494)

San Diego, CA, US

On October 25, 2003, a Piper PA 28-161 (registration N39494) was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's inadvertent application of the rudder pedals rather than the brakes, which resulted in the on ground collision with the Cessna 172R. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172R and a Piper PA-28-161 collided while taxiing. The Piper's pilot used rudder pedals instead of brakes while attempting to slow, leading to impact. No mechanical issues were reported.

Collision

A Cessna 172R, registered as N72AF, and a Piper PA-28-161, registered as N39494, collided during taxi. The left wing and propeller of the Piper struck the rudder and right aileron of the Cessna, respectively.

Pilot Actions

According to the pilot of the Piper, after arriving at the run-up area, he attempted to slow the airplane. Instead of using the brake pedals, he used the rudder pedals. The pilot closed the throttle but was unable to prevent the collision. He did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

Aircraft Information

The Cessna 172R (N72AF) and the Piper PA-28-161 (N39494) were both involved in the ground collision. No additional details about the aircraft were provided in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Oct 2003 Piper PA 28-161 accident near San Diego, CA?

A Cessna 172R and a Piper PA-28-161 collided while taxiing. The Piper's pilot used rudder pedals instead of brakes while attempting to slow, leading to impact. No mechanical issues were reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Oct 2003 involved a Piper PA 28-161, registration N39494, at San Diego, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's inadvertent application of the rudder pedals rather than the brakes, which resulted in the on ground collision with the Cessna 172R.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040108X00035. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.