Mitsubishi MU 2B-25 N553T accident near Arvin, California

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while taxiing into position for takeoff on a narrow private airstrip, resulting in the left wing striking a tree.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the twin-engine, high-wing airplane, reported that while positioning the airplane for takeoff on a narrow private airstrip, the left wing impacted a tree, which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single engine land rating, but did not hold a multi-engine rating.

The Federal Aviation Administration has published the Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3A (2004). This handbook discusses multi-engine ground handling and states in part:

Good habits learned with single-engine airplanes are directly applicable to multiengine airplanes for preflight and engine start. Upon placing the airplane in motion to taxi, the new multiengine pilot will notice several differences, however. The most obvious is the increased wingspan and the need for even greater vigilance while taxiing in close quarters. Ground handling may seem somewhat ponderous and the multiengine airplane will not be as nimble as the typical two- or four-place single-engine airplane. As always, use care not to ride the brakes by keeping engine power to a minimum. One ground handling advantage of the multiengine airplane over single engine airplanes is the differential power capability. Turning with an assist from differential power minimizes both the need for brakes during turns and the turning radius.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA303 for the full record.