The commercial pilot told investigators a vehicle hit the right wing of the Beech C90 as he was taxiing from the non-movement area for departure from the airport in Bismark, North Dakota.
Surveillance video showed a ground service vehicle drive across the ramp and into the right wing of the airplane. The driver of the ground vehicle stated that as she was starting to speed up on the ramp, the airplane came into view. The driver attempted to stop, but slid on the ice and came to rest under the airplane’s right wing.
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing.
Probable Cause: The ground vehicle driver’s failure to see and maintain clearance from the airplane while conducting ground operations.
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This March 2023 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.