NTSB Factual Report

On September 14, 2004, at 0830 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-301, N5300R, collided with a metal fire hydrant guard post while taxing for takeoff at Monterey, California. The owner was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot was not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed for the local area personal flight.

The pilot stated to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that while taxing outbound from the airplane's hangar, bright morning sunglare distracted him. The airplane drifted left, off the taxiway centerline, and the left wing struck a yellow post that guarded a fire hydrant.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain proper alignment with the taxiway and adequate obstacle clearance. A factor was the bright morning sunglare.