On September 28, 2004, a Cessna 172H (registration N189W) was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a parked aircraft while taxiing. A contributing factor was the student pilot's anxiety attack. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A 52-hour student pilot on his first solo cross-country flight struck a parked aircraft with the left wing while taxiing after landing, after becoming overwhelmed and lost.
Incident Details
A student pilot with 52 hours of flight experience reported that while taxiing to the parking area after landing, he heard a "loud bang on the left side of the airplane" as the airplane moved to the left. After powering down the airplane, the student pilot exited and realized the left wing had struck a parked aircraft.
Pilot's Account
The student pilot stated that he was on his first solo cross-country flight and became overwhelmed with anxiety. He eventually became lost and decided to land at the first available airport. The collision occurred during the subsequent taxi.
Circumstances
No other details about the aircraft, location, or injuries were provided in the report. The incident highlights the challenges faced by student pilots during stressful situations.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Sept 2004 Cessna 172H accident near Houston, TX?
A 52-hour student pilot on his first solo cross-country flight struck a parked aircraft with the left wing while taxiing after landing, after becoming overwhelmed and lost.
Were there any fatalities in the 28 Sept 2004 Cessna 172H accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Sept 2004 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N189W, at Houston, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a parked aircraft while taxiing. A contributing factor was the student pilot's anxiety attack.
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