Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle while taxiing from landing.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while taxiing back to the hangar, she noticed a parked vehicle in the distance and off to the right of the taxiway she was traveling on. The pilot applied brakes to slow the airplane and looked to her right to ensure there was adequate space between the wing and the vehicle. The pilot returned her eyes to the taxiway in front of her momentarily but turned her attention to the vehicle once again for reassurance, at which time the airplane struck the vehicle, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13CA123 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 27, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lancaster, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Lancaster Airport (LNS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-301
- N-number
- N8385S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.