Probable cause
The pilot's diverted attention while taxing which resulted in his failure to maintain clearance from the skip loader during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while taxing for takeoff, he observed a skip loader on the immediate left edge of the taxiway and noted there was sufficient clearance to avoid it. However, during the taxi, his attention was distracted by setting up the GPS for the flight, and the airplane drifted left, and subsequently struck the skip loader.
The right horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged.
The pilot 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 WPR20CA146 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 6, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Perris, California
- Nearest airport
- Perris Valley (L65)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182
- N-number
- N58646
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.