No fatalities

27 Jan 2013: PIPER PA-32-301 — BELAIR FLYING CLUB INC — Lancaster, PA

Lancaster, PA, United States

On 27 Jan 2013, a PIPER PA-32-301 operated by BELAIR FLYING CLUB INC was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle while taxiing from landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot taxiing a low-wing airplane struck a parked vehicle after looking away to check clearance, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. No mechanical issues were reported.

Incident Description

According to the pilot, while taxiing out to the runway in her low-wing airplane, she was forced to steer well to the right of the taxiway to avoid a parked vehicle. Later, while taxiing back to the hangar, the pilot noticed the same vehicle in the distance and off to the right of the taxiway. She applied brakes to slow the airplane and looked to her right to ensure there was adequate space between the wing and the vehicle. After momentarily returning her eyes to the taxiway ahead, she turned her attention to the vehicle again for reassurance, at which point the airplane struck the vehicle, causing substantial damage to the right wing.

Investigation Findings

The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that could have precluded normal operation. No other factors or causes were identified in the report.

Contributing factors

Ground vehiclePilotIncorrect use/operation