No fatalities

Left Wing Damage During Taxi in High-Traffic Ramp Area

Punta Gorda, FL, United States

On April 4, 2016, a CESSNA 172 M operated by CAREER FLIGHT TRAINING AND AIRCRAFT RENTAL LLC. was involved in an aviation accident near Punta Gorda, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to avoid obstacles and maintain situational awareness while taxiing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that the aircraft's left wing struck a light pole while taxiing through a congested ramp area, causing substantial damage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were identified.

Incident Overview and Damage Assessment During a taxi operation through a high-traffic-density ramp area, the aircraft's left wing made contact with a light pole. The pilot reported that this impact resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. The incident occurred while the aircraft was moving on the ground in a congested operational environment. ## Mechanical Condition and Operational Factors According to the pilot's report, there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions affecting the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation. The source does not provide additional details regarding the specific aircraft type, registration, operator, date, or location of the incident.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Incorrect use/operationEffect on equipment

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Apr 2016 CESSNA 172 M accident near Punta Gorda, FL?

A pilot reported that the aircraft's left wing struck a light pole while taxiing through a congested ramp area, causing substantial damage. No pre-impact mechanical failures were identified.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Apr 2016 CESSNA 172 M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Apr 2016 involved a CESSNA 172 M, operated by CAREER FLIGHT TRAINING AND AIRCRAFT RENTAL LLC., at Punta Gorda, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to avoid obstacles and maintain situational awareness while taxiing.