Accident Details
On 31 July 2016 at 13:30 local time, a Cessna 172, registered as SP-KGA and operated by Aeroklub Warszawski, was involved in an accident while taxiing at the Przasnysz-Sierakowo airstrip (EPPZ). The pilot was conducting a taxi maneuver to runway 29 when the left wing contacted a fence post located adjacent to the taxiway. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate approximately 90 degrees, after which the nose struck the airstrip fence. The pilot, the sole occupant, did not sustain any injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 172 single-engine airplane. The pilot held a valid private pilot license with a SEP(L) rating, a class 2 medical certificate, and current proficiency checks. Total flight experience was 107 hours 5 minutes, with 17 hours 3 minutes on type and 25 hours 45 minutes in the 90 days preceding the accident.
Cause of the Accident
The investigation determined that the accident resulted from the pilot's inappropriate assessment of distance from obstacles during taxiing, which led to the aircraft colliding with the airstrip fence. The pilot did not maintain adequate clearance from the fence and misjudged the distance while avoiding an incoming aircraft on final approach to runway 29.
Damage
The aircraft sustained damage to the left wing and nose section. Photographs of the damaged aircraft were included in the report.
Operator Actions
Following the accident, Aeroklub Warszawski informed its pilots about the incident. The Polish State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation did not issue any safety recommendations.