Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing. A contributing factor was the control interference on the rudder pedals created by the pilot's footwear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot said he was taxiing to his hangar after a local flight. As he taxied, he noticed a pickup truck parked in front of a hangar, which required him to deviate left to maintain taxi clearance. During his manipulating the rudder pedals to steer the airplane, his left foot got caught on something, and the airplane veered 180 degrees left. The airplane impacted a hangar denting the outer 3 feet of the left wing to the spar, damaging the aileron near the inboard hinge, and separating the wing root from the fuselage by approximately 1 inch. The pilot said he was wearing hiking boots and he believes they impeded his ability to manipulate the rudder pedals.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA087 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 16, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bremerton, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Bremerton National Airport (PWT)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N2823L
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.