Event LAX04LA027

Factual narrative

On October 25, 2003, about 1225 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA 28-161, N39494, collided with a Cessna 172R, N72AF, while taxiing to the run-up area at Montgomery Field (MYF), San Diego, California. Sorbi Flying Club was operating the PA-28-161, and the Cessna 172R was being operated by American Flyers, Inc. The student pilots in each airplane, the sole occupants, were not injured; both airplanes sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plans had been filed for the local area instructional flights. Both flights were originating at the time. In a written statement, the pilot of the PA-28-161 reported that he was taxiing to the run-up area. After arriving at the run-up area he attempted to slow the airplane, but instead of using the brake pedals, he used the rudder pedals. The pilot closed the throttle; however, the left wing clipped the rudder and the propeller cut through the right aileron of the Cessna 172R. This was the first solo flight for the PA-28-161 pilot. He did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector inspected the brakes at the accident site and noted no anomalies. A Cessna 172R, N72AF, and a Piper PA-28-161, N39494, collided during taxi. The left wing and the propeller of the Piper respectively struck the rudder and right aileron of the Cessna. According to the pilot of the Piper, after arriving at the run-up area, the pilot attempted to slow the airplane. Instead of using the brake pedals, he used the rudder pedals. The pilot closed the throttle, but was unable to prevent the collision. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12