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Cessna 172 Wing Tip Strikes Another Aircraft During Taxi (N1126U)

Carlsbad, CA, US

On June 10, 2005, a Cessna 172M (registration N1126U) was involved in an aviation accident near Carlsbad, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain separation while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with another airplane. 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 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172 sustained damage to its right wing tip after striking another aircraft while taxiing on the ground at an airport.

What happened

The incident occurred while a pilot was maneuvering his Cessna 172 on the ground. The aircraft was taxiing from the run-up area toward the active runway for departure. During this movement, the right wing tip of the airplane made contact with the tail section of another Cessna 172. The second aircraft was stationary in the run-up area, waiting to receive clearance for takeoff.

Following the initial contact, the pilot received clearance to proceed with takeoff. To reach the runway threshold, the pilot had to navigate a narrow gap between two obstacles. One side of the path was occupied by a jet aircraft that was holding short of the runway. The other side was bounded by the Cessna 172 that had been struck earlier. The pilot successfully maneuvered through this space without further incident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Jun 2005 Cessna 172M accident near Carlsbad, CA?

A Cessna 172 sustained damage to its right wing tip after striking another aircraft while taxiing on the ground at an airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 10 Jun 2005 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Jun 2005 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N1126U, at Carlsbad, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to maintain separation while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with another airplane.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050722X01077. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.