Event LAX05CA001

Factual narrative

On October 1, 2004, at 2130 mountain standard time, a Cessna TU206A, N4835F, collided with a ditch during taxi following a landing on runway 03 at the Nogales International Airport, Nogales, Arizona. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot, also the registered owner, was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight, and no flight plan had been filed. The airplane departed from the Deer Valley Airport, Phoenix, Arizona, for the cross-country personal flight. According to the pilot, he landed on runway 03. While taxiing to the terminal, the pilot did not see a 4-foot-deep ditch located in front of the terminal. The airplane impacted the ditch, and the right wing collided with the ground, resulting in damage to a stringer. The airport manager responded to the airport following the accident. The taxiway is designed with a centerline stripe and outer reflectors. The ditch is on a non-movement part of the airport approximately 45 feet from the edge of the taxiway. The taxiway is paved. From the taxiway there is a 1-inch drop, and rock chips cover the ground for an additional 15 feet, followed by dirt for the next 24 feet leading up to the ditch. The airport recently received a grant to reconstruct the taxiways, which will widen the taxiways and install taxiway lighting. The airplane collided with a ditch during taxi and sustained substantial damage. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed. While taxiing to the terminal, the pilot taxied into a non-movement area of the airport, and did not see a 4-foot-deep ditch located in front of the terminal. The airplane impacted the ditch and the right wing collided with the ground, resulting in damage to a stringer. The ditch was approximately 45 feet from the taxiway. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12