14 Jun 2018: CESSNA 172 P — SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY DBA

14 Jun 2018: CESSNA 172 P — SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY DBA

No fatalities • Salem, IL, United States

Probable cause

The student pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a pole while taxiing the airplane on the ramp.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The solo student pilot reported that, after landing, he taxied the airplane to the ramp to get fuel. While in front of the fuel tank he repositioned the airplane with a 360° turn. During a second attempt to reposition the airplane the right wing struck a nearby pole.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The student pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

  • cause Student/instructed pilot
  • cause Effect on operation

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 070/03kt, vis 10sm

Related events

Same aircraft

  • 22 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172N (ANDERSON AVIATION SERVICES INC)
  • 20 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172S (VISTA AVIATION INC)
  • 19 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172P (JEPPESEN EMPLOYEES FLYING ASSOCIATION)
  • 16 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172 K (Top Aviation Services)
  • 13 Apr 2026 — CESSNA 172S (CHRISTIANSEN AVIATION LLC)

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