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Pilot Applies Excessive Left Brake, Strikes Parked Airplane During Taxi (N43779)

Seattle, WA, US

On September 20, 2004, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N43779) operated by Puget Sound Aviators was involved in an aviation accident near Seattle, WA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot applied too much left brake while attempting to avoid a parked airplane. 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

While taxiing toward a taxiway entrance, a pilot unfamiliar with the area applied too much left brake to avoid a parked airplane, causing the left wing to strike the parked aircraft and sustain structural damage.

Incident Details

A pilot who was not familiar with the airport environment reviewed the airport diagram and taxiways before departing. Despite this, the pilot remained uncertain about the taxiway entrances and decided to taxi through the parking area before requesting access to the taxiway.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot taxied toward the taxiway entrance, they noticed another airplane parked close to their taxi path. In an effort to avoid a collision, the pilot applied the brakes. However, excessive left brake pressure caused the airplane to veer left, and the outboard section of the left wing impacted the parked airplane, resulting in structural damage.

Damage

The outboard section of the airplane's left wing sustained structural damage as a result of the impact with the parked aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot applied too much left brake while attempting to avoid a parked airplane.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-28 Cherokee accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Sept 2004 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Seattle, WA?

While taxiing toward a taxiway entrance, a pilot unfamiliar with the area applied too much left brake to avoid a parked airplane, causing the left wing to strike the parked aircraft and sustain structural damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Sept 2004 Piper PA-28-181 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Sept 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N43779, operated by Puget Sound Aviators, at Seattle, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot applied too much left brake while attempting to avoid a parked airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041013X01617. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.