Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fire hydrant while taxiing to the runway.
NTSB analysis
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) reported that he was taxiing the airplane to the active runway. As he came around a hangar he noted that the sun was extremely bright, as it was just on the horizon. The CFI then taxied the airplane into a fire hydrant, resulting in damage to the right horizontal stabilizer. The CFI reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10CA367 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ephrata, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Ephrata Municipal Airport (EPH)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dawn
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N6139M
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.