By NTSB | FAA Aviation Accident Database

Analysis

As the CAP pilot taxied from his parking spot, he made a left 90-degree turn, onto a taxiway. As the turn was completed, the airplane’s right wing struck a parked vehicle.

Factual Information

On May 17, 2005, at 1630 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172P, N9344L, operated by the Civil Air Patrol, was substantially damaged when it struck a vehicle while taxiing at the Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), Islip, New York. The certificated CAP private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the local flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

According to the Civil Air Patrol, as the CAP pilot taxied from his parking spot, he made a left 90-degree turn, onto a taxiway. As the turn was completed, the airplane’s right wing struck a parked vehicle.

The CAP pilot failed to respond to several requests made by the Safety Board, for his statement regarding the accident.

Examination of the CAP airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed the
CAP airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

Probable Cause & Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be: The CAP pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle while taxiing.