Overview
A taxiway collision occurred involving a Cessna 172 (N53201) and a Cessna 182 (N3347F) while both aircraft were taxiing at a general aviation airport. The incident resulted in contact between the left wings of the two aircraft.
Sequence of Events
The Cessna 172 was taxiing south toward the active runway (16). As the pilot approached the airport’s fuel island, he observed an aircraft being fueled on the outside (taxiway side) of the fueling island. He also noticed a Cessna 182 taxiing north toward him.
According to the Cessna 172 pilot, the Cessna 182 continued to taxi for a moment before stopping. The 182 was positioned with its engine idling, somewhat off the left side of the taxiway but still on the hard surface. It was located abeam and directly across from the aircraft being fueled. The Cessna 172 pilot reported that this positioning 'considerably narrowed the available taxiway.'
Collision
The Cessna 172 pilot then attempted to taxi between the Cessna 182 and the aircraft at the fueling island. During this maneuver, the left wing of the Cessna 172 struck the left wing of the Cessna 182. No other details regarding damage or injuries were provided in the source.
Aircraft Information
The two aircraft involved were a Cessna 172 (registration N53201) and a Cessna 182 (registration N3347F). Both are single-engine, high-wing general aviation aircraft commonly used for training and personal flying.
Contributing Factors
The source does not provide a probable cause for the collision. The Cessna 172 pilot’s decision to taxi between the two aircraft, given the narrowed space, is noted but not analyzed as a causal factor.