On December 9, 2003, a Beech 58P (registration N58JG) was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate lookout, which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the vehicle while taxiing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A twin-engine airplane collided with a parked, unoccupied truck while taxiing to the active runway. The pilot attempted to avoid the vehicle but the right wing and propeller made contact.
Accident Summary
A twin-engine airplane collided with a parked, unoccupied vehicle while taxiing to the active runway. The pilot reported that during taxi, he observed a red truck parked on the right side of the taxiway. He maneuvered the airplane so that the nose gear was approximately 1 foot to the left of the taxiway centerline in an attempt to avoid the vehicle.
Pilot Account
The pilot estimated his taxi speed at about 7 miles per hour when the right wing contacted the truck's cab, causing the airplane to veer sharply to the right. Subsequently, the right propeller made contact with the front of the truck. The pilot applied the brakes, and after the airplane came to a complete stop, he shut down both engines.
Mechanical Condition
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.