Incident Overview
A Cessna TR182, piloted by a 2,200-hour pilot, was on a flight that included an intermediate fuel stop at Twin Falls, Idaho. The pilot obtained a weather brief from Great Falls Flight Service Station, advising winds at Twin Falls from 170 degrees at 16 knots.
Approach and Landing Attempt
Approximately 13 nautical miles north of Twin Falls, the pilot contacted the tower and was advised of winds from 150 degrees magnetic at 20 knots, favoring Runway 12. The pilot reported being three miles out and was cleared to land on Runway 12. The controller did not provide updated wind information, nor did the pilot request any.
According to the Airport Facility Directory, the airport had an Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) accessible on 135.025 megahertz, which would provide continuous meteorological data including wind conditions. However, it is unknown whether the pilot utilized this capability.
Collision with Fuel Truck
During the approach, the tower controller observed the aircraft drifting left. The pilot initiated a go-around. A fueler on the ground noted the aircraft in a continuous right-wing-low attitude as it continued drifting left, ultimately impacting a parked fuel truck. The truck was positioned 156 feet outside the runway safety area and 231 feet left of the runway centerline, among four trucks in a marshalling area.
Weather and Aircraft Data
The ASOS recorded winds at the time of the accident from 160 degrees magnetic at 22 knots, gusting to 29 knots, with a peak wind near the accident site reported as 180 degrees at 29 knots. Runway 12's magnetic centerline was 120 degrees. The Cessna TR182 Wind Components Chart indicated a maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity of 18 knots, though this was not a limitation.
Post-Accident Examination
On-site inspection found no evidence of mechanical malfunction. The aircraft's landing gear were extended, and the flaps were set to 5 degrees.