No fatalities

Student Pilot Strikes Fuel Truck During Taxi at Unfamiliar Airport (N5357H)

Windsor Locks, CT, US

On March 30, 1998, a Cessna 152 (registration N5357H) was involved in an aviation accident near Windsor Locks, CT. No fatalities were reported. 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 2026-07-04Data 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.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Mar 1998 Cessna 152 accident near Windsor Locks, CT?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Mar 1998 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Mar 1998 involved a Cessna 152, registration N5357H, at Windsor Locks, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's inattention during taxi, which resulted in the collision with a fuel truck.

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.