Probable cause
The pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with a helicopter dolly during taxi.
NTSB analysis
After maintenance had been completed on the tailwheel-equipped airplane, the pilot performed a preflight inspection, after which the airplane was pushed from the hangar area and onto the airport ramp. The pilot then began to taxi the airplane between a parked van and a helicopter dolly. During the taxi, the airplane struck the helicopter dolly, resulting in substantial damage to the underside of the fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA141 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Charleston, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- West Virginia Intl Yeager (CRW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 180
- N-number
- N2648Y
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- 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.