Left Wing Strikes Taxiway Light During Exit Turn

Casualties unknown • LA Vern, CA, US

A private pilot lost control of the aircraft while exiting the runway via a right turn onto Taxiway Echo, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing after it struck a light stanchion.

What happened

The private pilot reported that the flight proceeded without incident until the aircraft landed on Runway 26L. Following the landing, the pilot initiated an exit maneuver by turning right onto Taxiway Echo. During this turn, the left wing of the airplane contacted both the runway surface and an elevated taxiway light stanchion. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing structure.

The investigation

NTSB investigators interviewed the pilot regarding potential mechanical issues that might have contributed to the accident. The pilot stated there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies. He attributed the loss of control during the exit turn to excessive speed for the radius of the turn, noting he was "going a bit fast".

Findings

The primary factor in this incident was the pilot's decision to execute a runway exit turn at a speed exceeding the safe limit for the maneuver. This resulted in the wingtip striking fixed ground infrastructure, specifically the taxiway light stanchion.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the runway exit turn, which resulted in the left wing striking a taxiway light stanchion.

All Piper PA-24 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-03-04 Piper PA-24 accident near LA Vern, CA?

A private pilot lost control of the aircraft while exiting the runway via a right turn onto Taxiway Echo, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing after it struck a light stanchion.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-03-04 involved a Piper PA-24, registration N9220P, operated by Howard Belzberg, at LA Vern, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the runway exit turn, which resulted in the left wing striking a taxiway light stanchion.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060620X00773. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…