N39494

On October 25, 2003, about 1225 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA 28-161, N39494, collided with a Cessna 172R, N72AF, while taxiing to the run-up area at Montgomery Field (MYF), San Diego, California. Sorbi Flying Club was operating the PA-28-161, and the Cessna 172R was being operated by American Flyers, Inc. The student pilots in each airplane, the sole occupants, were not injured; both airplanes sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plans had been filed for the local area instructional flights. Both flights were originating at the time.

In a written statement, the pilot of the PA-28-161 reported that he was taxiing to the run-up area. After arriving at the run-up area he attempted to slow the airplane, but instead of using the brake pedals, he used the rudder pedals. The pilot closed the throttle; however, the left wing clipped the rudder and the propeller cut through the right aileron of the Cessna 172R. This was the first solo flight for the PA-28-161 pilot. He did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector inspected the brakes at the accident site and noted no anomalies.