Casualties unknown

1998-03-30: Cessna 152 (N5357H) — Windsor Locks, CT

Windsor Locks, CT, US

On March 30, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N5357H) was involved in an aviation accident near Windsor Locks, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's inattention during taxi, which resulted in the collision with a fuel truck. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot on his second solo cross-country flight struck a fuel truck with his wingtip while taxiing, causing damage to the right rear spar.

Incident Overview

A certificated student pilot, conducting his second solo cross-country flight, landed at an unfamiliar airport and requested progressive taxi instructions. After landing, the student pilot turned onto the taxiway leading to the general aviation area.

Sequence of Events

At the throat of the ramp, a linesman and another airplane were waiting for the student pilot to pass. The linesman motioned for the student pilot to taxi straight ahead with a left turn in front of parked airplanes. Following the left turn, the linesman pointed the student pilot toward a second linesman positioned at the student pilot's 11 o'clock.

Pilot's Actions

The second linesman had his back turned toward the student pilot and was looking over his right shoulder. The linesman reported that his left hand was raised in the air and his right hand was pointing to the ground in front. The student pilot stated that he interpreted the signals as instructions to taxi straight ahead and stop adjacent to two parked airplanes.

Collision

While taxiing straight ahead and focusing on the second linesman, the student pilot did not see the fuel truck parked to his right. The wing tip of the aircraft struck the mirror of the fuel truck, resulting in a crack to the right rear spar.

Damage

The right rear spar of the aircraft was cracked as a result of the collision with the fuel truck mirror.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09695. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.