Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in the airplane striking a pole.
NTSB analysis
After landing, the pilot taxied to the fixed base operator to park. As he approached the parking ramp, a lineman stood in front of a tie-down spot and raised both hands in the air signaling to the pilot where to park. The spot was next to a parked jet. The pilot said that while taxing to the parking spot he was concentrating on staying clear of the jet and did not see a light pole located at the edge of the ramp. The right wing struck the pole resulting in structural damage to the wing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA093 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 1, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Apalachicola, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Apalachicola Regional (AAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-46-350P
- N-number
- N657MC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1988
- 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.