# NTSB DFW06CA005: Cessna 152, N94684, Tupelo, MS, October 5, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: October 4, 2005, 21:07 local (Oct 5, 2005, 02:07 UTC)
- Place: Tupelo, MS
- Coordinates: 34.270278, -88.771667
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.2703&lon=-88.7717&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Jakson, Mississippi FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 62658
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW06CA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/62658/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA005

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout during taxi.  Contributing factors were the dark night conditions, the unmarked light pole, and the lack of taxiway centerline markings at the parking area.

## Analysis

The 54-hour private pilot landed at the airport at approximately 2100, under dark night conditions.  The pilot reported that he began to look for taxiway centerline markings, but none were found.  The pilot added that he then began looking for an aircraft marshaller while taxiing to the Fixed Base Operator parking area.  The pilot did not see any aircraft marshaller present and elected to continue to taxi to a parking spot.  While maneuvering the airplane near the parking area, the pilot initiated a left turn when he  felt the right wing impact a solid object.  Examination of the airplane revealed that the right wing impacted an unmarked black light pole near the parking area.

## Factual narrative

This report is based on information received by the NTSB.  Additional details may be found in the NTSB's public docket for this case.  For further information, please contact the NTSB Office of Public Inquiries.

## Sequence of events

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

- On ground/water collision with object, taxi
  - object - pole
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N94684](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N94684), registered now, S/N 15285763, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15285763
- Airframe hours: 9553
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-N2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Delta State University
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 2005, 47 hours before
- Departed: KRNV, Cleveland, MS
- Destination: KTUP, Tupelo, MS
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: KTUP, Tupelo Regional, runway 18, 6,500 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review August 1, 2005; seat: left; flight hours: 54 total, 45 in this make and model, 19 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night
- Wind: 100° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.09 inHg
- Observed at: KTUP

## 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 20051004024909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051004024909A), Oct 4, 2005: Cessna 152, Tupelo, MS, Substantial damage. (-23) While taxiing the airman allowed the aircraft to hit a pole with the right wing in an attempt to park the airplane.

## Other investigations on N94684 (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 DFW07LA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW07LA022), Nov 7, 2006: Cessna 152 (N94684), Monroe, LA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The failure of the second pilot to maintain separation from the preceding traffic established on final approach. A contributing factor was the failure by ATC personnel to visually identify and…

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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