On April 25, 2003, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N38137) was involved in an aviation accident near Bullhead City, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout while taxiing, resulting in a collision with a parked fuel truck due to misjudgment of distance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft sustained minor damage to its left wingtip after colliding with a stationary fuel truck while taxiing at normal speed, as the pilot misjudged the distance to the obstruction.
What happened
The incident occurred while the airplane was taxiing toward its parking position. The pilot maintained a standard taxi speed and proceeded along the centerline of the taxiway. At the time, a fuel truck was stationary on the taxiway, creating an unexpected obstruction. The pilot did not observe the vehicle until it was too late to avoid contact.
During the collision, the outboard 18 inches of the left wing struck the parked fuel truck. Following the impact, the pilot stated that he had misjudged the distance between the aircraft and the stationary vehicle. No further details regarding specific airport locations or injury reports were provided in the source material.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout while taxiing, resulting in a collision with a parked fuel truck due to misjudgment of distance.
What happened in the 25 Apr 2003 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Bullhead City, AZ?
An aircraft sustained minor damage to its left wingtip after colliding with a stationary fuel truck while taxiing at normal speed, as the pilot misjudged the distance to the obstruction.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 2003 Piper PA-28-181 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Apr 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N38137, at Bullhead City, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate visual lookout while taxiing, resulting in a collision with a parked fuel truck due to misjudgment of distance.
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