Ephrata, WA, USA
N6139M
CESSNA 152
The certificated flight instructor (CFI) reported that he was taxiing the airplane to the active runway. As he came around a hangar he noted that the sun was extremely bright, as it was just on the horizon. The CFI then taxied the airplane into a fire hydrant, resulting in damage to the right horizontal stabilizer. The CFI reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
In a written statement, the certificated flight instructor (CFI) reported that he was taxiing the airplane to the active runway. As he came around a hangar, he noted the sun was extremely bright, as it was cresting on the horizon. The CFI taxied the airplane into a fire hydrant; the right horizontal stabilizer was damaged as a result of the impact. The CFI reported that there were no pre impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fire hydrant while taxiing to the runway.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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