Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention while taxiing, which resulted in a collision with a fence post.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he was taxiing on the ramp after landing and had looked to his left at the line serviceman that was "marshalling" him and the right wing struck a fence post. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
The line serviceman reported that he was standing in the location where he wanted the pilot to park the airplane, with his arms raised to get the pilot's attention. The line serviceman reported that he was not giving the pilot hand signals to direct him on the ramp at the time of the accident.
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA034 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 12, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Abilene, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Abilene Rgnl (ABI)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182R
- N-number
- N9736H
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1981
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Aerial observation
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.