Probable cause
The student pilot's distraction during taxi operations, which resulted in the airplane's left wing impacting a hangar.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that after he had landed he taxied to get fuel. He was waved around behind two parked airplanes. After he passed the first airplane, the left wing of the airplane impacted a hanger.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The student pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented if he had remained focused "on the task of taxiing the airplane, rather than looking at the person/parking spot".
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA447 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 23, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Williamsport, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Williamsport Rgnl (IPT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N9480E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- 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.