Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to properly set the parking brake, which resulted in an impact with a pole.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, after taxiing to the ramp, he set the parking brake. He added that he released the foot brake, the airplane rolled forward, and impacted a pole.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The flight safety officer reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, after the accident, he verified proper operation of the parking brake.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA189 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 30, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Gila Bend, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Gila Bend Muni (E63)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Diamond Aircraft Ind Inc DA 40
- N-number
- N53SL
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2005
- 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.