Casualties unknown

2004-11-13: Piper PA-28R-201T (N3464Q) — Sikeston, MO

Sikeston, MO, US

On November 13, 2004, a Piper PA-28R-201T (registration N3464Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Sikeston, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining his visual lookout and not maintaining clearance from the pole during his taxi to park from a landing. A factor was the pole he impacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane sustained substantial damage after the left wing struck a wooden pole during taxi. The pilot reported losing situational awareness while searching for tie-downs.

Accident Details

The airplane was taxiing after landing when it collided with a wooden pole, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. The incident occurred as the pilot attempted to transition to an alternate ramp after finding the main ramp full.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot's accident report, after taxiing to the main ramp near the fixed-base operator (FBO), the pilot found it full and decided to move to an alternate ramp. In order to complete a 90-degree turn to park, the pilot hugged the grass edge. While maneuvering, the pilot looked for tie-downs and, as a result, lost situational awareness. The left wing then contacted a wooden pole located approximately 2 to 3 feet from the edge of the ramp.

Damage

The collision caused substantial damage to the airplane. No further details about the extent of damage or other items were provided in the report.

Official Findings

No probable cause was determined by the investigation; the pilot's account described a loss of situational awareness due to distraction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041203X01924. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.