# NTSB MIA96LA145: Cessna 172K, N7284G, Englewood, FL, May 14, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 14, 1996, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Englewood, FL
- Coordinates: 26.950101, -82.350784 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.9501&lon=-82.3508&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 16, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 38023
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA145
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38023/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA145

## Probable cause

Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain visual lookout while taxiing to takeoff resulting in an on-ground collision with a tree.

## 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 - tree(s)
  - visual lookout - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that he became distracted while taxiing and the right wing impacted a tree about 6 inches from the wingtip.

## Factual narrative

On May 14, 1996, about 1600 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172K, N7284G, registered to a private owner, collided with a tree while taxiing to takeoff from the Buchan airstrip, Englewood, Florida.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight.  The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot, the sole occupant was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that he became distracted while taxiing to the runway and the right wing impacted a tree about 6 inches from the wingtip.

The pilot/owner did not report the accident to the NTSB. A mechanic applied to the FAA for a ferry permit to fly the airplane to a maintenance facility for repairs.  The mechanic indicated that the spar was damaged.  The FAA notified the NTSB on May 30, 1996.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7284G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7284G), registered now, S/N 17258984, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Cessna 172K
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17258984
- Airframe hours: 3249
- Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Robert A. Szymanski
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 1, 1996, 35 hours before
- Departed: X36
- Airport: X36, Buchan

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 63; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 507 total, 227 in this make and model, 507 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 10,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SRQ, 26 nm away

## 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 19960514015909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960514015909A), May 14, 1996: Cessna 172K, Englewood, FL, Substantial damage. Distracted taxiing for takeoff. Right wing struck a tree. Damaged the spar.

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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