On May 12, 2005, a Cessna 152TW (registration N7866Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Missoula, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a taxiway identification sign as he attempted to turn off the runway onto the taxiway during the last part of the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot cleared to turn onto Taxiway Echo 4 inadvertently turned too soon, causing the aircraft to collide with a runway identification sign. The impact bent the right main gear leg attachment box.
Incident Overview
The pilot of an aircraft, having landed on Runway 25, received clearance from the tower to vacate the runway via Taxiway Echo 4. While executing the right-hand turn onto the taxiway, the pilot inadvertently began the turn prematurely, resulting in the aircraft striking a runway identification sign near the intersection of the runway and the taxiway.
Damage Assessment
The force of the collision caused the right main gear leg attachment box to become bent and distorted. No other damage was reported in the source.
Pilot Statement
According to the pilot, the aircraft's directional control system and brakes were functioning normally prior to the incident. The pilot did not attribute the inadvertent turn to any mechanical malfunction.