Probable cause
The student pilot's improper decision to maneuver the airplane through an area of construction and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from a concrete pole barrier while taxiing.
NTSB analysis
The solo student pilot reported that, after landing and while taxiing toward the fuel farm, he decided to maneuver through a partially sectioned-off area surrounded by orange construction cones. While he was focused on the cones, the airplane's right wing struck a concrete pole barrier surrounding the fuel farm.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and baggage door floorboards.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA19CA082 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 19, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waynesburg, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Greene County (WAY)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N8222N
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1980
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.