GAA20CA085

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during the night time landing, he landed about 10 knots faster than routine and while exiting the runway, he did not follow the taxi centerline guide but instead taxied right of centerline and was momentarily distracted in the cockpit while he manipulated the radio. After completing the right turn, he recaptured taxiway centerline and parked the airplane. The next morning, during his preflight inspection, he found damage to the pressurized cabin and the right-side propeller. Upon further examination, the pilot reported that the right-side propeller struck a taxiway light; subsequently, the dislodged taxiway light and propeller blade tip struck the cabin. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the pressurized cabin. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that, during the night landing, he landed about 10 knots faster than normal and that, while exiting the runway, he did not follow the taxi centerline guide but instead taxied right of the centerline so that he could reach the taxiway as soon as possible. He was momentarily distracted while adjusting the radio as he was attempting to leave the runway. After completing the right turn, he recaptured the taxiway centerline and parked the airplane. During his preflight inspection the next morning, he found damage to the pressurized cabin and the right propeller. Upon further examination, the pilot noted that the right propeller had struck a taxiway light, which had dislodged the light and broken off the blade tip, and that the propeller blade tip had struck the cabin. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the cabin. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Runway/taxi/approach light-Effect on operation - C
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Attention-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring environment-Pilot - C
• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C