Incident Details
An airline transport rated pilot reported an incident that occurred at an uncontrolled airport where he had gone to pick up a turbine-powered twin-engine airplane that had just received a complete paint job. The pilot noted that Jet-A fuel was unavailable at that airport, so he planned to fly to a nearby airport within 30 miles to purchase fuel for the return flight to home base.
Taxi and Pothole Encounter
While taxiing for departure on runway 31, the right main landing gear impacted an unmarked pothole. The pothole was not visible due to standing rainwater from recent rain showers. According to the pilot, the airplane sustained a significant jolt when the landing gear hit the pothole. Despite this, he continued taxiing while monitoring the brakes and tracking to ensure no tire had blown. The pilot did not observe any signs of damage and proceeded to the runway for takeoff.
Flight and Postflight Inspection
The takeoff and climb were reported as normal. However, upon reaching a cruise altitude of 3,000 feet, the pilot noticed that the airplane was unusually out of trim, requiring both rudder and aileron trim adjustments to maintain level flight. The landing at the refueling stop was uneventful. During the postflight inspection at the refueling stop, the pilot discovered that the airplane's right wing and right engine nacelle were structurally damaged. The pilot noted that there were no NOTAMs in effect at the time regarding the condition or status of the damaged or unrepaired taxiway.