No fatalities

Commercial Pilot Strikes Van and Container During Night Taxi

Long Beach, CA, United States

On September 8, 2009, a CESSNA 172P operated by Long Beach Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Long Beach, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle during taxi. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

A commercial pilot inadvertently left a taxiway onto a service road while taxiing at night, then struck a parked van and a storage container with the left wing, causing substantial damage.

Accident Overview

During a night taxi from a parking area to runway 30 for takeoff, a commercial pilot inadvertently departed the designated taxiway and entered onto a service road. While attempting to re-enter the taxiway from the service road, the airplane's left wing tip struck a parked van. The airplane then pivoted around and subsequently struck a storage container.

Damage and Mechanical Condition

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing as a result of the impact with the van and the storage container. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Operational Circumstances

The incident occurred during nighttime taxi operations. The aircraft was being maneuvered from a parking area to the departure runway at the time of the event.

Contributing factors

Response/compensationPilot

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Sept 2009 CESSNA 172P accident near Long Beach, CA?

A commercial pilot inadvertently left a taxiway onto a service road while taxiing at night, then struck a parked van and a storage container with the left wing, causing substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Sept 2009 CESSNA 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Sept 2009 involved a CESSNA 172P, operated by Long Beach Flying Club, at Long Beach, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle during taxi.