Event LAX99LA306

Factual narrative

On September 11, 1999, at 1802 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, N534CA, was substantially damaged when the left wingtip struck a pole during taxi for takeoff at Reid-Hillview of Santa Clara County Airport, San Jose, California. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions existed for the personal flight. The airplane was operated by Concord Flight International, Inc., and rented by the pilot under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The flight was destined for Concord, California, and no flight plan was filed. The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun. He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left. He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded. The airplane's left wingtip struck a pole as the pilot was taxiing for takeoff. The pilot reported that his vision was impaired as he taxied westbound into the setting late afternoon sun. He saw an aircraft parked on his right and did not notice the pole on his left. He also reported the taxiway centerline was badly faded. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12