Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the hangar. Contributing to the accident was the dark night.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After landing, the pilot proceeded to taxi the airplane and tried to find his destination fixed base operator. The pilot stated that because it was so early in the morning and dark, no one was there to assist him to the appropriate ramp, and the buildings were not identifiable. He stated he taxied the airplane to several wrong ramp areas and the last area dead ended with hangars on both sides. He stated he backed up the airplane, in reverse, and started to turn the airplane. Unbeknownst to the pilot, during the turn, the airplane's right elevator struck a hangar causing substantial damage. The damage was not noted until the pilot disembarked the airplane. The pilot wrote in the recommendations section of his accident report, 'upon landing at any unfamiliar airport go to the nearest ground personnel to get directions to the destination on the airport...if in a tight taxi situation stop the aircraft and get assistance.'
Source record
Factual narrative
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