No fatalities

Ground Guide Signal Misinterpretation Leads to Wing Strike on Taxi

Lakeland, FL, United States

On April 3, 2019, a Piper PA32 260 operated by 4821S Llc was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence post during taxi to parking. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During taxi to parking, the pilot followed ground guide signals, made a right turn, and the left wing struck a fence post. Substantial damage to left wing; no mechanical malfunctions reported.

Incident Overview

While taxiing to parking, the pilot reported following arm and hand signals from ground guides. The maneuver involved a right turn to position the airplane between a fence line on the left and a parked airplane on the right. During the turn, the left wing contacted a fence post, causing substantial damage to the wing.

Damage Assessment

Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the left wing structure. The pilot noted that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Pilot Actions

The pilot stated that he was relying on the ground guides' signals to navigate the taxi path. The turn was executed as instructed, but the airplane's wingtip cleared the fence line insufficiently, resulting in the impact.

Contributing factors

PilotEffect on operation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Apr 2019 Piper PA32 260 accident near Lakeland, FL?

During taxi to parking, the pilot followed ground guide signals, made a right turn, and the left wing struck a fence post. Substantial damage to left wing; no mechanical malfunctions reported.

Were there any fatalities in the 3 Apr 2019 Piper PA32 260 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Apr 2019 involved a Piper PA32 260, operated by 4821S Llc, at Lakeland, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fence post during taxi to parking.