Probable cause
The pilots’ decision to maneuver the airplane in close proximity to a hangar.
NTSB analysis
At the conclusion of an evaluation flight, the left seat pilot taxied the airplane to the hangar area under the direction of the right seat pilot. After reaching the hangar area, the left seat pilot initiated a 180-degree turn in order to better position the airplane for postflight ground handling. During the turn, the right side of the horizontal stabilizer struck one of the hangar’s support beams, resulting in substantial damage to the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, as well as the empennage. Following the accident, the operator instituted a new policy, which stated that an external spotter should be used when maneuvering in the vicinity of obstacles.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA081 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 3, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Knoxville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Mcghee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech F90
- N-number
- N44PA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.