Incident Details
A twin-engine, high-wing airplane was being positioned for takeoff on a narrow private airstrip when the left wing impacted a tree. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing. According to the pilot, there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot Information
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicate that the pilot held a private pilot certificate with an airplane single engine land rating. The pilot did not hold a multi-engine rating.
Relevant Guidance
The FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A, 2004) discusses multi-engine ground handling. It notes that habits learned with single-engine airplanes apply to multiengine airplanes for preflight and engine start, but that taxiing introduces differences. The increased wingspan requires greater vigilance in close quarters, and ground handling may seem less nimble than typical single-engine airplanes. The handbook advises using care not to ride the brakes and notes that differential power can assist in turning, minimizing brake use and turning radius.