Probable cause
The flight instructor’s failure to maintain clearance from a fence during taxi operations.
NTSB analysis
According to the flight instructor, she was taxiing with a student when she took control and made a left turn to position the airplane between a fence and a fuel station. However, she reported that during the left turn, she misjudged the airplane’s clearance and the airplane’s left wing struck the fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing spar.
The flight instructor reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA306 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 2, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Yuma, Arizona
- Nearest airport
- Yuma Marine Corps Air Station/ (KNYL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-181
- N-number
- N3044U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2003
- 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.