On December 26, 2007, a Cessna 172S (registration N13974) operated by Aviation Facilities, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fullerton, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had looked to all sides before turning and not allowed himself to be distracted by the presence of the helicopter. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot, distracted by a nearby helicopter while taxiing after landing, applied brakes and throttle, causing the left wing to contact a utility trailer and substantially damage the wing spar.
Incident Overview
A student pilot had landed the airplane, exited the runway, and was taxiing to parking when the tower controller informed the pilot that a helicopter was above and to the right. The pilot looked to the right and observed the helicopter. While watching the helicopter, the pilot added right brake and throttle to move the airplane toward the center line of the taxiway. As the airplane turned, the pilot felt a jolt and saw that the airplane's left wing had contacted a utility trailer.
Damage
The wing spar sustained substantial damage as a result of the collision with the utility trailer.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had looked to all sides before turning and not allowed himself to be distracted by the presence of the helicopter.
Probable cause
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had looked to all sides before turning and not allowed himself to be distracted by the presence of the helicopter.
What happened in the 26 Dec 2007 Cessna 172S accident near Fullerton, CA?
A student pilot, distracted by a nearby helicopter while taxiing after landing, applied brakes and throttle, causing the left wing to contact a utility trailer and substantially damage the wing spar.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Dec 2007 Cessna 172S accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Dec 2007 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N13974, operated by Aviation Facilities, Inc., at Fullerton, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had looked to all sides before turning and not allowed himself to be distracted by the presence of the helicopter.
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