Aircraft and snowplow collision during taxi

Casualties unknown • Stratford, CT, US

An aircraft and a snowplow truck collided while taxiing to the ramp in an area obscured from air traffic control tower visibility.

What happened

After completing its landing, the airplane was taxiing toward the ramp. The incident occurred in a location that was not visible from the air traffic control tower. During the taxi, the pilot looked to the left to prepare for a turn; however, upon looking back to the right, the pilot observed a snowplow truck backing up into the aircraft's right wing.

The operator of the snowplow reported that the aircraft was not visible in his sideview mirror while he was reversing. Following the initial impact, the truck operator stopped the vehicle. As the truck began moving forward again, the airplane struck the truck a second time. The force of the collision pushed the aircraft sideways by 6 inches and caused it to rotate approximately 90 degrees to the right.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-02-16 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Stratford, CT?

An aircraft and a snowplow truck collided while taxiing to the ramp in an area obscured from air traffic control tower visibility.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-02-16 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8137D, at Stratford, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

inadequate visual lookout by the pilot and the vehicle operator, resulting in their failure to see and avoid each other.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05313. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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