After landing about 30 minutes after sunset, the pilot taxied off the runway onto a perpendicular taxiway and was instructed by the ground controller to “taxi to the ramp.” The pilot observed the FBO directly in front of him and proceeded straight ahead, exiting the taxiway and continuing down a grassy slope between the ramp and taxiway. During the excursion from the taxiway, the propeller and the tail of the airplane struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
September 3, 2009, Charlottesville, Va., Mooney 231
After landing about 30 minutes after sunset, the pilot taxied off the runway onto a perpendicular taxiway and was instructed by the ground controller to "taxi to the ramp." The pilot observed the FBO directly in front of him and proceeded straight ahead, exiting the taxiway and continuing down a grassy slope between the ramp and taxiway. During the excursion from the taxiway, the propeller and the tail of the airplane struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Key Takeaways:
- After a sunset landing, the pilot was instructed to taxi to the ramp.
- The pilot inadvertently exited the taxiway onto a grassy slope, mistaking the direct path to the FBO as the correct route.
- During this excursion, the airplane's propeller and tail struck the ground.
- The incident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, with no mechanical malfunctions reported by the pilot.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
