Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from a hangar while taxiing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After receiving clearance from ground control, the student pilot proceeded to taxi to his parking spot. He entered into a portion of the taxiway in a nonmovement area that is not visible from the tower, and encountered another aircraft taxiing in his direction. The student pilot attempted to yield to the oncoming traffic. In his attempt to keep the aircraft at a safe distance, and maneuver around a wheel chock, the right wing tip struck the corner of a hangar.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 5, 1997, at 1230 hours Pacific standard time, a Cessna 172P, N98483, struck a hangar with it's right wing while taxiing in from landing at Montgomery Field, San Diego, California. The aircraft, operated by American Flyers, sustained substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the local solo instructional flight. The student pilot reported that after landing he received ground clearance to taxi back to his parking spot. He stated that as he was taxiing, he entered into a portion of the taxiway that is not visible from the tower, and also encountered another aircraft taxiing in his direction. The student pilot reported that while maneuvering to maintain a safe distance from the other aircraft, and attempting to avoid a wheel chock, the right wing of the aircraft struck the corner of a hangar. He stated that aircraft was at a slow taxi, but that he was using the left brake to pivot the aircraft when the right wing struck the hangar. -