Incident Details
A student pilot reported that while taxiing to park, he aligned the airplane with the parking spot, added power to initiate the turn, and then heard a "boom." After shutting down the engine and inspecting the aircraft, he realized that the left wing had struck a pole.
Damage
The impact caused substantial damage to the left-wing rear spar.
Investigation Findings
The flight safety officer for the operator reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The officer further stated that, according to company policy, pilots were required to shut down the airplane on the yellow taxiway centerline before pushing it back into the parking spot.
Operational Context
Following interviews with other flight crews, the safety officer learned that flight instructors had been demonstrating incorrect parking methods to students, including the student who taxied into the pole.