Summary
On March 30, 2018, a Diamond Aircraft Ind INC DA 40 (N53SL) was involved in an incident near Gila Bend, AZ. 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 properly set the parking brake, which resulted in an impact with a pole.
The pilot reported that, after taxiing to the ramp, he set the parking brake. He added that he released the foot brake, the airplane rolled forward, and impacted a pole.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The Flight Safety Officer reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, after the accident, he verified proper operation of the parking brake.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA189. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N53SL.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to properly set the parking brake, which resulted in an impact with a pole.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that, after taxiing to the ramp, he set the parking brake. He added that he released the foot brake, the airplane rolled forward, and impacted a pole.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The Flight Safety Officer reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that, after the accident, he verified proper operation of the parking brake.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA18CA189