# NTSB LAX04CA317: Piper PA-32R-301, N5300R, Monterey, CA, September 14, 2004

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: September 14, 2004, 08:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Monterey, CA
- Coordinates: 36.586944, -121.843055
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.5869&lon=-121.8431&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report December 28, 2004
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 60144
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX04CA317
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/60144/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX04CA317

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the taxiway and adequate obstacle clearance.  A factor was the bright morning sunglare.

## 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
  - light condition - sunglare (contributing factor)
  - object - other
  - proper alignment - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The airplane drifted left, off the taxiway centerline, and the left wing struck a yellow post that guarded a fire hydrant.  While taxing outbound from the airplane's hangar, bright morning sunglare distracted the pilot.

## Factual narrative

On September 14, 2004, at 0830 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-301, N5300R, collided with a metal fire hydrant guard post while taxing for takeoff at Monterey, California.  The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91.  The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed for the local area personal flight.

The pilot stated to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that while taxing outbound from the airplane's hangar, bright morning sunglare distracted him.  The airplane drifted left, off the taxiway centerline, and the left wing struck a yellow post that guarded a fire hydrant.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N5300R (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: Piper PA-32R-301
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 3246185
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur Chatoff
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: KMRY, Monterey, CA
- Destination: Monterey, CA
- Airport: KMRY, Monterey

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3; flight hours: 357 total, 237 in this make and model, 18 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dawn

## 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 20040914024929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20040914024929A), Sep 14, 2004: Piper PA32R301, Monterey, CA, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilots vision was blurred by bright sun light. The left wing of the aircraft struck a standard protecting a fire hydrant causing substantial damage…

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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