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Taxiing Aircraft Collides with Snowplow on Ramp (N8137D)

Stratford, CT, US

On February 16, 1996, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N8137D) was involved in an aviation accident near Stratford, CT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate visual lookout by the pilot and the vehicle operator, resulting in their failure to see and avoid each other. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A collision between a taxiing airplane and a snowplow truck occurred on the ramp, pushing the aircraft sideways and turning it 90 degrees. The pilot reported seeing the truck backing into the right wing, while the truck operator stated he did not see the aircraft.

Collision Sequence

A flight that had landed was taxiing to the ramp in an area not visible from the air traffic control tower. During taxi, the airplane and a snowplow truck collided.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that he had looked to his left in the direction he was going to make a turn. As he looked to his right, he saw the truck backing up and then strike the right wing of the airplane.

Truck Operator Report

The truck operator reported that he did not see the aircraft in his sideview mirror as he backed up. He stopped the truck, and as he began to go forward, the airplane struck the truck.

Outcome

The collision resulted in the airplane being pushed sideways 6 inches and turned about 90 degrees to the right.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

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

A collision between a taxiing airplane and a snowplow truck occurred on the ramp, pushing the aircraft sideways and turning it 90 degrees. The pilot reported seeing the truck backing into the right wing, while the truck operator stated he did not see the aircraft.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Feb 1996 Piper PA-32-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Feb 1996 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.

More accident analyses

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.