Probable cause
The pilot's distraction while taxiing, which resulted in a taxiway excursion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while taxing to the runway, he was programming his GPS unit for the flight. When he looked up, he realized the airplane was near the end of the taxiway. He applied the brakes and attempted to stop on the pavement but was unsuccessful. The airplane rolled into the grass and down an embankment and sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20CA236 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 1, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Meadville, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Port Meadville (GKJ)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N9127H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.