# NTSB ATL87LA117: Piper PA-28-181, N2183D, Columbus, OH, April 17, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 17, 1987, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Columbus, OH
- Coordinates: 40.010662, -82.919746 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.0107&lon=-82.9197&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7412
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA117
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7412/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA117

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi - to takeoff
  - object - vehicle
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

WHILE TAXIING FOR TAKEOFF ON A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A PARKED FUEL TRUCK. THE PILOT SAID HE SAW THE PARKED TRUCK AND ATTEMPTED TO TAXI BETWEEN IT AND SOME PARKED AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT SAID HE MISJUDGED THE CLEARANCE AND THE LEFT WING STRUCK THE TRUCK. THE AIRCRAFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL AIRFRAME DAMAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2183D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2183D), registered now, S/N 28-7990163, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-28-181
- Registry model: [Piper PA-28-181](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-181) (registry code 7102807) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 28-7990163
- Airframe hours: 4123
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cooper Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1986
- Destination: OSU, COLUMBUS, OH
- Airport: Port Columbus

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 1,275 total, 986 in this make and model, 1,188 as pilot in command, 116 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: CMH

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870417011909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870417011909A), Apr 17, 1987: Piper PA28181, Columbus, OH, Substantial damage. The aircraft struck a parked fuel truck during taxi to takeoff. The pilot was distracted and misjudged clearance.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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