On May 1, 2006, a Cessna 172S (registration N534SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Bear, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain wing clearance from a pole during taxi. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While taxiing, a pilot moved aside for a faster twin-engine aircraft and struck a light pole with the right wing tip after diverting attention.
Incident
During ground movement, the right wing tip of an airplane struck a light pole. The collision occurred while the aircraft was taxiing.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was taxiing toward the run-up area when he noticed a twin-engine airplane behind him gaining ground, indicating the other aircraft was in a hurry. To allow the twin-engine airplane to pass, the pilot moved his airplane to the side of the taxiway with the intention of completing his run-up while the other aircraft passed. As he turned the airplane, he initially watched his right wing tip to ensure clearance from a light pole. However, he then diverted his attention to his left wing. At that moment, the right wing tip made contact with the light pole.
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