Incident Overview
A solo student pilot was taxiing on a ramp after landing when the left wing of the aircraft struck a ramp light pole. The pilot reported that he had been directed by a lineman to taxi between a parked airplane and the light pole. During the taxi movement, the wing impacted the pole, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Pilot Report
The student pilot stated that the lineman and the parked airplane had captured his attention, and he did not see the grey light pole during his scan. He suggested that the grey sky background at the time may have contributed to his failure to notice the pole. The pilot also reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Damage and Circumstances
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the left wing as a result of the impact. The incident occurred on the ramp, which is an area designated for aircraft parking and ground movement. The lineman was guiding the pilot during the taxi, but the pilot’s focus on the lineman and the parked airplane led to the collision with the stationary light pole.