Accident Overview
According to a written statement from the pilot, after landing he taxied the airplane to a fixed base operator to use external heater plugs on the ramp. During taxi, the airplane approached a parked fuel truck. The pilot initiated a left turn, but due to snow-packed ramp conditions, the airplane continued straight. He subsequently added more power and left rudder to induce a turn. However, the right wing tip impacted the fuel truck's grounding wire wheel.
Aircraft Damage
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane and identified substantial damage to the right wing spar on the outboard 3 feet of the wing, with one wing rib exposed. No other damage was observed on the aircraft.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.