Wind Gust Causes Wing Strike During Taxi at Snow-Covered Airport (N5293X)

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while taxiing after landing, a right turn into the ramp area resulted in wind lifting the right wing. This caused the left wing and propeller to strike the ground. The taxi surface consisted of hard-packed snow and ice, with braking action described as poor.

Wind Conditions

The wind at the time was reported as 35 knots with gusts to 41 knots. The specific direction was not detailed in the report.

Operational Procedures

The Director of Operations stated that the flight followed normal flight following and dispatch procedures. There were no written company standards addressing when flights should be cancelled due to excessive surface wind velocity. The Director of Operations indicated that the primary responsibility for determining whether winds and weather were suitable for the flight rested with the pilot-in-command.