Aircraft: Beech Bonanza. Injuries: None. Location: Rutland, Vermont. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: According to the pilot, after landing, he attempted to taxi toward the FBO. The surface of the ramp was hard-packed snow.
He initiated a left turn but the airplane continued heading straight ahead toward a fuel truck that was parked on the ramp.
He added more power and applied more left rudder to get the airplane to turn, but it was not enough to keep the right wing from hitting a fuel truck.
Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar on the outboard 3 feet of the wing with one wing rib exposed. No other damage was noted.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain control while maneuvering on a snow-packed surface after landing, which resulted in a collision with a fuel truck.
NTSB Identification: ERA13CA100
This December 2012 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Duh, hello! Obviously the driver should have brought the airplane to a stop as soon as the lack of a turn and a skid on the slippery surface were detected given there was a fuel truck ahead presumably loaded with highly flammable liquid.
Great. Nothing like going for a 100 dollar flight to get ice cream in the snow……… and If you’re going to crash into something be sure its a fuel truck… oh yes and be sure to add power just before you hit the truck………..was the guy smoking too? Signs should be installed saying: Don’t park fuel trucks where airplanes are sliding!