No fatalities

Student Pilot Check Ride Taxi Incident Involves Wing Tip Damage

Delphi, IN, United States

On October 13, 2008, a CESSNA 172P operated by LAFAYETTE AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Delphi, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to maintain separation from a hangar building while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the hangar building. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that the right wing tip of an aircraft struck a hangar while taxiing to a parking spot at a destination airport during a check ride. The incident resulted in damage to the wing tip and spar.

Incident Overview

According to the official accident investigation report, a student pilot was conducting a flight specifically to meet with an examiner for a scheduled check ride. The event occurred after the aircraft had already arrived at the destination airport.

Sequence of Events

The pilot stated that while taxiing the airplane toward a designated parking spot, the right wing tip made contact with a hangar building. This collision happened during ground operations rather than in flight.

Reported Damage

In his written report, the pilot noted specific structural damage resulting from the impact. He identified that both the right wing tip and the wing spar were damaged as a direct consequence of striking the hangar structure.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operationPilot

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Oct 2008 CESSNA 172P accident near Delphi, IN?

A student pilot reported that the right wing tip of an aircraft struck a hangar while taxiing to a parking spot at a destination airport during a check ride. The incident resulted in damage to the wing tip and spar.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Oct 2008 CESSNA 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Oct 2008 involved a CESSNA 172P, operated by LAFAYETTE AVIATION INC, at Delphi, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's failure to maintain separation from a hangar building while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the hangar building.