No fatalities

3 Jun 2013: PIPER PA-46-500TP — Meridian Cavu, Inc. — West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach, FL, United States

On 3 Jun 2013, a PIPER PA-46-500TP operated by Meridian Cavu, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Palm Beach, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s diversion of attention while taxiing the airplane, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control and collision with a ditch. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot drifted left of the taxiway centerline and struck a culvert while adjusting flight instruments during taxi. A visual inspection found no issues, but the next day a mechanic discovered substantial left wing damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during taxi to the runway, he was adjusting the flight instruments for takeoff. While doing so, the airplane drifted left of the taxiway centerline and struck a culvert. After the impact, the pilot conducted a visual inspection of the airframe and determined that all systems were functioning normally. He then elected to continue to the runway and complete the flight as planned.

Discovery of Damage

The following day, a mechanic performed an inspection of the airplane and found substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies were present that would have prevented normal operation. He further commented that he should not have begun taxiing or attempted to multi-task while taxiing.

Aircraft Information

No specific details regarding the aircraft type, registration, or operator were provided in the source. The incident occurred during taxi on an unspecified date at an undisclosed location. No injuries were reported, and weather conditions were not described.

Subsequent Actions

No further information was available regarding any formal investigation or maintenance actions beyond the mechanic's discovery of the wing damage.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcome