The solo student pilot reported that, during taxi to the runway at the airport in Chicago, he saw a fuel truck parked in the grass on the left side of the asphalt taxi lane.
He added that he “assumed that the truck driver had left room for airplanes to get by.”
However, as the Cessna 172 passed the truck, its left wing hit the rear of the truck.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing lift strut.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a truck while taxiing.
NTSB Identification: GAA18CA588
This July 2018 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.
“fuel truck parked in the grass on the left side of the asphalt taxi lane.“
Parked vehicle, not moving.
The taxiing Cessna was moving.
Failure to ensure adequate clearance for the left wing,
pilot responsibility.
Keep in mind, these same truck drivers put fuel in your plane. Are you watching? Is it the right truck? Is it the right fuel? Is the truck bonded to the airplane. How much fuel are you getting? Is it clean? Is there water in it? Is the truck driver talking on their cell phone while fueling?
It’s always the truck drivers fault 😏
PIC– Pilot InCompetent ASSumption
Classic modern-day mentality. “If I screw up, it couldn’t possibly be my fault.” Pathetic.
That silly fuel truck driver.
How inconsiderate of him.
Obviously the fuel truck was practicing soft field take off and landings…
Truck driver fault
Truck driver should not be allowed to fly!
Sorry, dude. It’s pilots responsibility to ensure ALL aspects of aircraft/personnel safety/security on the ground as well as in the air. This clearly failed to happen. Maybe you should read the article – or stay away from the airfield!!!