Incident Details
A commercial pilot preparing for an evening cargo flight experienced a ground incident after deciding to delay departure due to strong and gusting winds. According to the pilot, he had radioed the control tower for his flight clearance and the current wind conditions. Finding the wind higher than previously reported, he informed the tower that he would wait before taxiing further.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that after deciding to delay the flight, and before he could shut down the airplane, a large gust of wind pushed the airplane's nose to the left and lifted the left wing. This sudden movement caused the airplane's propeller and right wing to impact the ground, resulting in a bent right wing.
Weather Conditions
At 1851, the automated weather reporting station located on the airport reported the wind as 270 degrees at 36 knots gusting to 48 knots. This wind condition was higher than the previously reported winds, prompting the pilot's decision to delay.