Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distracted attention.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he landed at a private airstrip and his friend was landing behind him. He taxied from the runway and was moving to the side of the airstrip while looking out the window as his friend landed. During the taxi, the left wing impacted a tree which turned the airplane and resulted in damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that no mechanical failures occurred prior to the accident.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09CA473 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 27, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Toledo, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Harris Airport (WN05)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aviat Aircraft Inc A-1B
- N-number
- N445BB
- 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.