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Student Pilot Taxis into Fuel Truck After Solo Landing (N172P)

Doylestown, PA, US

On January 26, 2002, a Cessna 172P (registration N172P) operated by Twin Composite Squandron was involved in an aviation accident near Doylestown, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and a parked fuel truck while taxing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A student pilot with 27.9 total flight hours struck a parked fuel truck while taxiing after a solo flight, causing damage to the right wing, spinner, and propeller.

Incident Details

A student pilot, flying solo, had just landed and was taxiing back to the fixed base operator when the aircraft collided with a parked fuel truck. The pilot attempted to pass the truck but the right wing clipped the truck's right rearview mirror. The airplane then pivoted to the right, and the spinner and propeller struck the side of the truck.

Pilot Experience

The student pilot reported a total of 27.9 flight hours in single-engine aircraft, of which 1.3 hours were solo. There were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

Pilot Comments

When asked how the accident could have been prevented, the student pilot responded: "Moving more away from the truck and paying more attention to where the truck is."

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Jan 2002 Cessna 172P accident near Doylestown, PA?

A student pilot with 27.9 total flight hours struck a parked fuel truck while taxiing after a solo flight, causing damage to the right wing, spinner, and propeller.

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Jan 2002 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Jan 2002 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N172P, operated by Twin Composite Squandron, at Doylestown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

pilot's failure to maintain clearance between the airplane and a parked fuel truck while taxing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020302X00301. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.