PIPER PA-46-500TP
West Palm Beach, FL, June 3, 2013
Event Information
| Date | June 3, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | West Palm Beach, FL |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 26.64639, -80.29417 |
| Airport | Wellington Aero Club Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
| NTSB Number | ERA13CA278 |
| Event ID | 20130611X94913 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-46-500TP |
| Registration # | N21EP |
| Operator | Meridian Cavu, Inc. |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 3 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s diversion of attention while taxiing the airplane, which resulted in his failure to maintain directional control and collision with a ditch.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he was taxiing to the runway while adjusting the flight instruments for takeoff when the airplane drifted left of the taxiway centerline and struck a culvert. After performing a visual inspection of the airframe and determining that all systems functioned normally, the pilot elected to continue to the runway and complete the flight as planned. The following day, an inspection of the airplane performed by a mechanic revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. He further stated that he should not have started taxiing the airplane or attempted to “multi-task” while taxiing.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.