NTSB Factual Report

According to the written statement submitted by the pilot, while taxiing to the ramp, he observed the lineman motioning him towards a parking area. The pilot taxied straight towards the lineman, departed the taxiway, and struck an airport sign. The damage to the airplane was first reported to the Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB after the airplane was sold. The cowling was torn, the skin of the fuselage was buckled, and the fuselage skin was wrinkled two to three inches aft of the firewall. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout resulting in a collision with an airport sign.