BEECH F90 near Knoxville, TN — 2012-12-03

Probable cause

The pilots’ decision to maneuver the airplane in close proximity to a hangar.

NTSB narrative

At the conclusion of an evaluation flight, the left seat pilot taxied the airplane to the hangar area under the direction of the right seat pilot. After reaching the hangar area, the left seat pilot initiated a 180-degree turn in order to better position the airplane for postflight ground handling. During the turn, the right side of the horizontal stabilizer struck one of the hangar’s support beams, resulting in substantial damage to the horizontal and vertical stabilizers, as well as the empennage. Following the accident, the operator instituted a new policy, which stated that an external spotter should be used when maneuvering in the vicinity of obstacles.

NTSB coding

• Airport occurrence · Taxi-from runway
• Decision Making / Judgment

Evidence available

• Photos
• 4 docket documents

Docket documents4

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (Pilot)form
• Photo 1 - Damage to Horizontal Stabilizer/Elevator (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos
• Photo 2 - Damage to Vertical Stabilizer (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos

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