What happened
While taxiing for takeoff in accordance with ATC clearance, a SkyWest Airlines Fairchild (Metroliner) was proceeding westbound on inner taxiway Kilo. Simultaneously, a 10,000-gallon Jet-A fuel tanker truck, operated by a trainee driver, was traveling eastbound on a service vehicle access road located south of taxiway Kilo.
The trainee driver was following a trainer who was operating a similar-sized tanker truck. The trainer turned left to head northbound, crossing Kilo near taxiway 47J toward the Bradley Intl Terminal. This left the trainee driver alone south of the taxiway. The trainee then executed a left turn and proceeded northbound in an attempt to cross taxiway Kilo.
The trainee driver failed to observe the westbound Fairchild Metroliner, resulting in a collision between the aircraft and the tanker truck. The impact broke the aircraft's left wing, causing fuel to spill and generating sparks. Despite the fuel spill, no fire occurred. All occupants of the aircraft evacuated the plane without further mishap; there were no injuries.