No fatalities

30 Mar 2018: DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 — CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix Inc — Gila Bend, AZ

Gila Bend, AZ, United States

On 30 Mar 2018, a DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 40 UNDESIGNAT operated by CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Gila Bend, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to properly set the parking brake, which resulted in an impact with a pole. 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

After setting the parking brake, the pilot released the foot brake, causing the airplane to roll forward and strike a pole, damaging the right wing. No mechanical failures were found.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that after taxiing to the ramp, he set the parking brake. Subsequently, he released the foot brake, and the airplane began to roll forward. The aircraft then impacted a pole, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.

Post-Accident Inspection

The Flight Safety Officer stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After the accident, the officer verified the proper operation of the parking brake.

Damage Assessment

The right wing of the airplane sustained substantial damage in the collision with the pole.

Contributing factors

Causes

Incorrect use/operation

Other contributing factors

Contributed to outcomePilot