NTSB Factual Report

On March 4, 2006, about 1403 pacific standard time, a wheel equipped Piper PA-24 airplane, N9220P, sustained substantial damage while landing at the Brackett Field Airport, La Verne, California. The airplane was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) personal cross country flight under Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The private pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated at the El Monte Airport, El Monte, California, about 1345.

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC) on March 4, the pilot reported that after an uneventful landing on Runway 26L, he attempted to exit the runway by making a right turn onto Taxiway Echo. During the turn, the airplane's left wing struck the surface of the runway and an elevated taxiway light stanchion. As a result, the airplane's left wing sustained substantial damage. When asked by the NTSB IIC if there were any preaccident mechanical anomalies that may have contributed to the accident, the pilot said, in part: "No, I guess I was just going a bit fast for the turn."

The pilot did not complete the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1)

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's excessive taxi speed while turning, which resulted in an on ground collision with a taxiway light and the ground.