Casualties unknown

2007-05-11: Piper PA-38-112 (N2539D) — Mazzei Flying Service — Mariposa, CA

Mariposa, CA, US

On May 11, 2007, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2539D) operated by Mazzei Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Mariposa, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a vehicle while taxiing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An airplane's left wing struck a stationary, unoccupied service vehicle while taxiing for takeoff on a taxiway parallel to the active runway. The vehicle was partially on the apron and taxiway. No mechanical issues reported.

Incident Overview

A ground collision occurred when an airplane's left wing impacted a service vehicle during taxi for takeoff. The aircraft was proceeding on the centerline of a taxiway that ran parallel to the active runway. The service vehicle was stationary and unoccupied at the time of the incident.

Vehicle Location

The service vehicle was positioned partially on the apron adjacent to the taxiway and partially on the taxiway itself. The collision happened as the airplane taxied along the taxiway centerline.

Taxiway Conditions

Available space to taxi existed to the south of the taxiway, which the pilot could have used if desired. The presence of this additional room suggests alternative maneuvering options were present.

Mechanical Status

No mechanical malfunctions were reported with the airplane. The aircraft appeared to be operating normally during the taxi phase.

Summary

The incident involved a taxiing aircraft striking a stationary ground service vehicle that encroached onto the taxiway. The vehicle was unoccupied, and the airplane was following the taxiway centerline. The exact cause of the collision is not specified in the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070705X00881. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.