Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor and maintain clearance from an obstacle during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The airline transport rated pilot landed the airplane and taxied to the operator's hangar. As the airplane approached the ramp, he observed a tug positioned in front of the hangar. He elected to turn the airplane directly towards the tug instead of the usual deplaning area. As he maneuvered the airplane, the right wing struck a tree located at the corner of the hangar. The right wing sustained substantial damage during the accident sequence. The pilot reported that he was familiar with the ramp area, and has had prior experience taxing in the area. The copilot was completing the post flight checklist at the time of the accident and did not observe the tree.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR09FA165 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 23, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Henderson, Nevada
- Nearest airport
- Henderson Executive Airport (HND)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Beech 200
- N-number
- N257NA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.