Probable cause
The pilot’s incapacitation due to a seizure during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that the last thing he remembered regarding the accident sequence was taxiing the airplane to the ramp hold position and then contacting air traffic ground control. He stated that he then lost consciousness. He regained consciousness after his airplane collided with another airplane parked on the ramp. He reported that he had never lost consciousness before this event. A witness reported observing the pilot having a seizure while he was taxiing the airplane, and emergency responders reported that the pilot was confused and drowsy for a period of time following the event, consistent with the pilot having experienced a seizure. The pilot did not have any waivers or limitations on his medical certificate.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA13LA381 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 26, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Miami, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Kendall-Tamiami Airport (TMB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N5232D
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.