N534CA – Cessna 172N – 1999-09-12 NTSB Accident Report

On September 12, 1999, a Cessna 172N (N534CA) was involved in an incident near San Jose, CA. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain an adequate visual lookout during taxi. Sun glare was a factor in the accident.

On September 11, 1999, at 1802 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N534CA, was substantially damaged when the left wingtip struck a pole during taxi for takeoff at Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara County Airport, San Jose, California. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight. The airplane was operated by Concord Flight International, Inc., and rented by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was destined for Concord, California, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun. He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left. He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded.

This incident is documented in NTSB report LAX99LA306. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N534CA.