The solo student pilot reported that, after landing and while taxiing toward the fuel farm at the airport in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, he decided to maneuver through a partially sectioned-off area surrounded by orange construction cones.
While he was focused on the cones, the Piper PA28’s right wing hit a concrete pole barrier surrounding the fuel farm.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing and baggage door floorboards.
The student reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Probable cause: The student pilot’s improper decision to maneuver the airplane through an area of construction and his subsequent failure to maintain clearance from a concrete pole barrier while taxiing.
NTSB Identification: GAA19CA082
This October 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.