N9480ECESSNA 1722016-08-23 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 17272277

Summary

On August 23, 2016, a Cessna 172 (N9480E) was involved in an incident near Williamsport, PA. 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 student pilot's distraction during taxi operations, which resulted in the airplane's left wing impacting a hangar.

The solo student pilot reported that after he had landed he taxied to get fuel. He was waved around behind two parked airplanes. After he passed the first airplane, the left wing of the airplane impacted a hanger.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The student pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented if he had remained focused "on the task of taxiing the airplane, rather than looking at the person/parking spot".

This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA16CA447. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9480E.

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
NTSB Number
GAA16CA447
Location
Williamsport, PA
Event ID
20160825X83222
Coordinates
41.243331, -76.924720
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's distraction during taxi operations, which resulted in the airplane's left wing impacting a hangar.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17272277
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1979
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172N

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MOYER AVIATION INC
Address
188 AIRPORT DR
City
TOBYHANNA
State / Zip Code
PA 18466-7701
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot reported that after he had landed he taxied to get fuel. He was waved around behind two parked airplanes. After he passed the first airplane, the left wing of the airplane impacted a hanger.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The student pilot reported that this accident could have been prevented if he had remained focused "on the task of taxiing the airplane, rather than looking at the person/parking spot".

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA447