Incident Overview
A certificated airline transport pilot was taxiing a ski-equipped airplane on an ice-covered parking area after completing a maintenance operational check flight. The pilot reported that he applied power to climb a small incline. As the skis cleared the top of the incline, he closed the throttle and reached for the mixture control cut off. At that moment, his sleeve caught on the throttle control, inadvertently advancing it to the full open position.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that he was unable to stop the airplane after the unintended throttle advancement. The left wing subsequently struck a parked maintenance tug, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. The pilot noted that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane, indicating the incident was not due to any mechanical failure.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The pilot held an airline transport pilot certificate and was conducting the flight as part of a maintenance check. The specific aircraft type, registration, and operator were not disclosed in the source. The accident occurred during daylight hours, though the exact time was not provided.
Damage Assessment
The left wing of the airplane sustained substantial damage from the collision with the parked tug. No other damage was reported, and the extent of damage to the tug was not specified.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the challenges of taxiing on ice-covered surfaces and the potential for unintended control inputs when loose clothing interferes with throttle levers. However, no official probable cause was determined in the source.