Primary finding
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.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he became distracted while taxiing and the right wing impacted a tree about 6 inches from the wingtip.
Source record
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. -