Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from an obstacle during taxi operations.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that while taxiing, the path leading to the taxiway had a series of abrupt turns. He misjudged one of the turns and struck a 10-inch rectangular steel post with the left main gear. The airplane momentarily lifted and then dropped onto the left wing. He immediately stopped the airplane and shut down the engine. During the accident sequence, the airplane sustained spar damage to the left wing.
The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA283 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 9, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fallbrook, California
- Nearest airport
- Fallbrook Community Airpark (L18)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-32-300
- N-number
- N56631
- 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.