Accident Details
On February 22, 2009, about 1457 mountain standard time, a Cessna 172H, registration N1408F, sustained minor damage during taxi operations at Tucson International Airport (TUS), Tucson, Arizona. The aircraft was owned by Zuluft LLC and operated by Sonoran Wings. The student pilot and flight instructor were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight, which originated from TUS around 1400.
Sequence of Events
According to the operator's written statement, after landing on runway 11R, the flight crew exited onto taxiway Alpha 11. The tower controller cleared them to cross runway 11L and instructed them to contact ground control once clear. After crossing, they switched to ground frequency and received clearance to taxi to the ramp via taxiways Alpha and Delta.
While taxiing, the student and instructor observed an American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 holding short of runway 11L at taxiway Alpha 4. The operator reported that the student pilot applied aileron control inputs to mitigate potential jet blast and deviated toward the inner ramp area. The instructor then advised stopping the aircraft because the MD-80 was positioned farther back from the hold short line than initially thought and a Boeing 757 was parked in the inner ramp area.
As the Cessna slowed to a stop, the MD-80 increased engine thrust to taxi onto the runway. Subsequently, the Cessna tipped over onto its right wing.
Air Traffic Control Statements
The tower controller reported that he began clearing American Airlines flight 1418 (AAL1418) for takeoff while scanning the runway to ensure crossing aircraft were clear. He looked back and saw the Cessna taxiing behind AAL1418. He stopped issuing the takeoff clearance, but the MD-80 had already powered up. The ground controller stated that he had taxied the Cessna to Sonoran Wings via taxiways Alpha and Delta, and at taxiway Alpha 4, AAL1418 powered up for departure.
Damage
Examination of the Cessna by the operator revealed minor damage to the outboard tip of the right wing.
Relevant Procedures
FAA Order JO 7110.65S, Section 2-1-20 (b), advises controllers to issue cautionary information to aircraft if wake turbulence may have an adverse effect. Section 2-1-20 (note) specifies that controllers may use the words "jet blast" during ground operations when issuing a cautionary advisory.