On January 11, 2004, a Cessna 152 (registration N67844) was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's misjudgment of clearance from the vehicle while taxiing. A factor in the accident was the pilot's diverted attention. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While taxiing on the ramp, the pilot misjudged clearance and the airplane's left wing struck a fuel truck. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions.
Incident Overview
The airplane collided with a fuel truck while taxiing to parking. The collision occurred on the ramp area as the airplane was moving between rows of parked airplanes.
Pilot Account
The pilot noticed a parked fuel truck ahead on the left side. Believing there was adequate clearance between the airplane and the fuel truck, she continued taxiing. At that moment, she glanced down at the airplane's checklist. She later stated that she "incorrectly judged" the distance between the airplane and the fuel truck. The outboard section of the left wing struck the fuel truck.
Findings
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.