# NTSB CEN13LA170: Cessna 195, N4426C, Austin, TX, February 17, 2013 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 16, 2013, 21:45 local (Feb 17, 2013, 03:45 UTC) - Place: Austin, TX - Coordinates: 30.397499, -97.56639 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3975&lon=-97.5664&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Taxi-to runway: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report January 30, 2014 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration, San Antonio FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 86266 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN13LA170 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/86266/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86266 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN13LA170 ## Probable cause The pilot's use of an excessive taxi speed, which resulted in the airplane overrunning the end of the unlit taxiway after the failure of the right wing landing light. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Lighting system: exterior lighting](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023340): Aircraft › Aircraft systems · Failure (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 195, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023340/cases.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01023340/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: surface speed/braking](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Incorrect use/operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 195, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 238 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062045/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 195, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Airport facilities/design: taxiway lighting](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03017020): Environmental issues › Operating environment · Effect on operation; cases with it: [Cessna 195, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03017020/cases.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03017020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Taxi-to runway: Sys/Comp malf/fail (non-power)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 195, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 994 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/330/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); cases with it: [Cessna 195, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Taxi-to runway: Landing gear collapse](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094); cases with it: [Cessna 195, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md?model=2073102), [All aircraft, 1,787 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/094/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot reported that, as the airplane approached the end of the unlit taxiway, adjacent to the runway threshold, the right wing landing light failed, significantly reducing his forward visibility in the dark night conditions. The pilot cycled the right wing landing light switch as he applied wheel brakes; however, the light did not illuminate. The pilot stated that he was unable to stop the airplane before it departed the end of the taxiway and traveled down an embankment. The airplane overran the end of the taxiway despite the pilot's immediate application of brakes after the failure of the landing light, which is consistent with the pilot's use of an excessive taxi speed. Although the pilot did not recall seeing any reflective markers identifying the end of the taxiway, the end of the taxiway was identified by ground-level red reflectors, and the taxiway edges were identified by evenly spaced blue reflective posts. In response to the accident, the airport authority agreed to purchase additional blue reflective posts to more adequately mark the limits of the unlit taxiway. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration agreed to amend its Airport Facility Directory to reflect that the taxiway edges were marked by reflector posts and that the northwest end of runway 13-31 and parallel taxiway had a 16-foot descending embankment beginning at the end of the pavement. ## Factual narrative On February 16, 2013, about 2145 central standard time, a Cessna model 195 airplane, N4426C, was substantially damaged while taxiing at the Austin Executive Airport (EDC), Austin, Texas. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot, under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, without a flight plan. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. The flight had the intended destination of Gillespie County Airport (T82), Fredericksburg, Texas.The pilot reported that the accident occurred as he was taxiing on the unlit taxiway that paralleled runway 13-31. As the airplane approached the end of the taxiway, adjacent to the runway 13 threshold, the right wing landing light became inoperable, significantly reducing the pilot's forward visibility in the dark night conditions. The pilot cycled the right wing landing light switch as he applied wheel brakes; however, the light did not illuminate. The pilot stated that he was unable to stop the airplane before it departed the end of the taxiway and traveled down an embankment. He did not recall seeing any reflective markers identifying the end of the taxiway. Although the airplane was equipped with two landing lights, one on each wing, the pilot reported that he avoided using both lights simultaneously during taxi operations because such use rapidly depletes the battery charge at the lower engine power settings required to taxi. According to information provided by the EDC airport manager, the unlit taxiway that serviced runway 13-31 was marked with blue reflective posts that were 24-inches tall. These blue reflective posts were spaced at 31-foot intervals along the taxiway edges only. The end of the taxiway was identified by red reflectors that were installed at ground level. Additionally, an airport survey plot indicated that there was a 16-foot descending embankment, specified to have a 3:1 graded slope, located immediately adjacent to the northwest end of the taxiway and the runway 13 threshold. The use of reflective posts to identify the taxiway and the descending embankment were not identified in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Facility Directory. According to the FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, the requirements for safe taxi operations include the ability to recognize potential hazards in time to avoid them, as well as the ability to stop or turn where and when desired. The handbook further stipulates that taxi speeds should be slow enough that the airplane can be stopped promptly and "without undue reliance on the brakes." At 2155, the airport's automated surface observing system reported: wind 210 degrees true at 4 knots, visibility 10 miles, sky clear, temperature 8 degrees Celsius, dew point -3 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting 30.24 inches of mercury. The United States Naval Observatory reported that sunset and end of civil twilight at the airport on the night ofthe accident occurred at 1820 and 1844, respectively. At 2145, the waxing crescent moon was visible to the west of airport, located about 36 degrees above the horizon, with about 44 percent of the moon's visible disk illuminated. The moonset occurred about 3 hours after the accident at 0046. In response to the accident, the airport authority agreed to purchase additional blue reflective posts to more adequately mark the limits of the unlit taxiway. Additionally, the FAA agreed to amend its Airport Facility Directory to reflect that the taxiway edges were marked by reflector posts and that the northwest end of runway 13-31 and parallel taxiway had a 16-foot descending embankment beginning at the end of the pavement. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4426C](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4426C), registered now, S/N 16011, built 1953 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 195 - Registry model: [Cessna 195](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-195) (registry code 2073102) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Jacobs R755A series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/jacobs-r755a-series) (registry code 35006, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 16011 - Airframe hours: 3539 - Engines: Jacobs R755-A2 300 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 5, 2012 - Departed: EDC, Austin, TX - Destination: T82, Fredericksburg, TX - Airport: EDC, Austin Executive Airport ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 58; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 19, 2012; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,469 total, 377 in this make and model, 1,334 as pilot in command, 59 in the last 90 days, 21 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark - Wind: 210° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 46 °F, dew point 27 °F - Altimeter: 30.23 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: EDC ## 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 20130216004049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20130216004049A), Feb 16, 2013: Cessna 195, Austin, TX, Substantial damage. On feb. 16, 2013, at approx. 2145 hrs, while taxiing, a Cessna 195, with two people onboard, taxiied off the end of the taxiway. The pilot stated that while… ## Other investigations on N4426C (1) 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. - [NTSB DEN08LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN08LA112), Jun 23, 2008: Cessna 195 (N4426C), Houston, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, causing the design stress limits of the airplane to be exceeded. Excessive sideloads incurred caused the right main landing gear wheel and strut… ## Docket (9 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 19, 2013, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=86266. 1.6 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 138 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388032&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - Memorandum of Conversation with Stephen Allen, Pilot (item 2, .PDF, 61 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400878&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20of%20Conversation%20with%20Stephen%20Allen,%20Pilot-Master.PDF - FAA Airplane Flying Handbook, Excerpts (item 3, .PDF, 564 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388031&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Airplane%20Flying%20Handbook,%20Excerpts-Master.PDF - Airport Survey Plot, Excerpt (item 4, .PDF, 410 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388034&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Survey%20Plot,%20Excerpt-Master.PDF - Meteorlogical and Astronomical Information (item 5, .PDF, 106 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388036&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Meteorlogical%20and%20Astronomical%20Information-Master.PDF - FAA Airport Facility Directory, Original (item 6, .PDF, 70 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40388035&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Airport%20Facility%20Directory,%20Original-Master.PDF - FAA Airport Facility Directory, Amended (item 7, .PDF, 63 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400886&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Airport%20Facility%20Directory,%20Amended-Master.PDF - Airport Facility Directory, FAA Confirmation of Amended Data (item 8, .PDF, 75 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400895&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Facility%20Directory,%20FAA%20Confirmation%20of%20Amended%20Data-Redacted.PDF - Confirmation that the airport authority purchased additional reflective posts to adequately mark the end of the unlit taxiway (item 9, .PDF, 102 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40400892&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Confirmation%20that%20the%20airport%20authority%20purchased%20additional%20reflective%20posts%20to%20adequately%20mark%20the%20end%20of%20the%20unlit%20taxiway-Redacted.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.