Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilots failure to maintain a visual lookout resulting in the subsequent on ground collision with a hangar.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On December 3, 2002, at 1407 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-161, N289HG, registered and operated by Georgia Aviation and Technical College, as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced an on-ground collision with a hangar while taxiing for parking. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the private pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Augusta, Georgia, at 1300.
The pilot stated he was taxiing on the ramp after landing without a ground guide. He taxied between a parked airplane and the hangar. He applied left rudder to stop his turn and inadvertently stepped on his headset cord. His head was jerked downward and he became distracted while attempting to untangle his head from the headset cord. The airplane continued forward and collided with the hangar.
Examination of the airplane on December 5, 2002, revealed the left wing forward spar, ribs, and stringers were bent.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ATL03LA022