Incident Overview
A solo student pilot was taxiing toward the runway when the left wing of the airplane struck a fuel truck parked on the grass adjacent to the asphalt taxilane. The pilot had noticed the truck but assumed that sufficient clearance existed to pass safely.
Damage and Mechanical Status
The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing lift strut. The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions or failures were present that would have prevented normal operation.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the fuel truck was parked in the grass on the left side of the taxilane. He believed the truck driver had left adequate space for aircraft to pass. However, as the airplane moved past the truck, the left wing made contact with the rear of the vehicle.