Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor the airplane's wing clearance during taxi, which resulted in a collision with a parked airplane.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that while taxiing in the ramp area after landing, he did not visually monitor the airplane's wing clearance and struck a parked airplane. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA110 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wickenburg, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Wickenburg Municipal (E25)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-181
- N-number
- N442PA
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2001
- 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.