On 2 Jul 2011, a CESSNA 150C operated by RINGELMAN ROGER L was involved in an aviation accident near Weirsdale, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate clearance from the stopped trailer while taxiing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
While taxiing along a designated road at a private, uncontrolled fly-in community, a pilot's left wing struck a trailer. The pilot had looked down to check power settings on an upslope. FAA inspection confirmed structural damage.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the accident occurred while taxiing to the runway for takeoff. The airport was a private, uncontrolled fly-in community where roads serve as designated taxiways.
Sequence of Events
The pilot observed a truck and trailer approaching. The driver pulled to the side to allow the aircraft to pass. The pilot then looked inside the cockpit to check the power setting, as the taxiway was on an upslope. Believing there was adequate clearance from the trailer, the pilot continued. However, the left wing struck the top of the trailer as the aircraft passed, pulling the airplane to the left.
Aftermath
An inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration examined the airplane and reported structural damage to the left wing.