N3875B

On June 5, 1995, at 1820 hours mountain standard time, a Beech E35, N3875B, was substantially damaged when it collided with a taxiway sign while taxiing clear of runway 29R on taxiway A11, at Tucson International Airport, Tucson, Arizona. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan had been filed for the operation. The aircraft was being flown under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The certificated private pilot was not injured. The flight was originating from Tucson, Arizona, at the time of the accident.

Cassette re-recordings of the air-to-ground communications tapes from the Tucson Air Traffic Control Tower were reviewed, along with the pilot's written report. The pilot was cleared into position and hold by the tower onto runway 29R via taxiway A13. The pilot taxied into position, but did not hear any further instruction for several minutes. The pilot glanced at short traffic on runway 21 and then noticed a red flashing light from the tower. He touched the volume knob on the radio, and almost immediately he heard the tower instruct him to clear the runway. As the pilot exited runway 29R via taxiway A11, the aircraft right wing came into contact with the taxiway sign. Damage to the right wing spar resulted from the collision.