Incident Overview
An airline transport certificated captain was taxiing an airplane from the parking ramp to the runway for takeoff. During the taxi, a wind gust lifted the left wing, causing the right wing to strike the ground. The captain reported that the right wing was bent up 10 to 20 degrees, approximately 3 to 4 feet inboard of the wingtip.
Taxi Maneuver and Wind Conditions
At the time of the accident, the airplane was executing a left turn from a magnetic heading of approximately 210 degrees to a heading of approximately 120 degrees. The captain estimated the wind was from 110 degrees (magnetic) at 35 knots, gusting to 40 knots. The Automated Weather Observing Station (AWOS) at the airport reported winds from 150 degrees (true) at 39 knots, gusting to 48 knots.
Damage Assessment
According to the captain, the right wing sustained structural bending damage as a result of striking the ground. No other damage or injuries were reported.
Wind Data Source
The AWOS provided the official wind reading at the airport, while the captain provided an estimate based on his perception. The difference in reported wind direction (110 magnetic vs. 150 true) and gust speeds highlights variability in local conditions.