Incident Overview
On March 14, 2019, at about 2215 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 650, registration N220CM, was substantially damaged while taxiing at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) in Orlando, Florida. The flight, a personal trip conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, had departed Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston, West Virginia, about 2100. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed.
Events During Taxi
According to the pilot, after landing, the taxiway he normally used was occupied by another airplane. He proceeded toward the ramp via an alternate taxiway. As he approached the ramp, he saw four or five airplanes parked there. The pilot asked the copilot if the area was clear on the right side. The pilot intended the question to refer to the ground, but the copilot understood it to mean the other airplanes. When the copilot responded that the area was clear, the pilot turned right. The airplane then exited the taxiway onto grass, and the nosewheel struck concrete before the airplane came to rest. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Damage Assessment
Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed damage to the structure above the nose landing gear and the pressure bulkhead. The two airline transport pilots and two passengers were not injured.