CHI02LA264

The left wing contacted a light pole during taxi. The pilot had taxied the airplane to the runway in preparation for takeoff when a passenger reported feeling ill. The pilot taxied back to the ramp to deplane the passenger and was turning into a tie down spot when the wing contacted a light pole located 10 feet off the edge of the pavement.

On August 28, 2002, at 1143 eastern standard time, a Cessna 182S, N4183N, collided with a light pole while taxing to a parking spot on the ramp at the Indianapolis Metro Airport, Indianapolis, Indiana. The pilot and two passengers on board were not injured. The airplane received substantial damage to its left wing. The Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions and an IFR flight plan was on file. The planned destination for the flight was French Lick, Indiana.

The pilot reported that he taxied the airplane to the end of runway 15 in preparation for takeoff. It was at this time that a passenger reported not feeling well. The pilot reported he taxied to the ramp to deplane the ill passenger. He reported that he decided to park in one of the tie down spots on the northeast portion of the ramp. The pilot reported that as he was turning into one of the parking spaces, the left wing contacted a light pole. The left wing was damaged one and one-half feet inboard from the tip. The pilot reported, "Taxi speed was 3-4 mph during the maneuver, however the wing was moving faster during the turn. There was also conversation between myself and the passengers during taxi, although I cannot remember if I was in conversation at the accident moment."

The east edge of the ramp is bordered by 16 light poles. These poles are located 10 feet off the edge of the pavement. When parked in one of the spots the nose of the airplane is facing away from the poles. The tail tie down lugs are located 7 feet from the edge of the pavement and the wing tie downs are located 24 feet form the edge of the pavement.