Incident Overview
On 14 February 2001, a Cessna F172H, registered G-AWUZ, was involved in a ground taxi incident at Henstridge, Somerset. The aircraft, manufactured in 1968 and powered by a single Continental O-300-D piston engine, was operating a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. Neither occupant was injured.
Sequence of Events
After landing on Runway 07, the pilot cleared the runway at the second exit and proceeded to taxi toward the fuel tanker located at the end of the taxiway. Two aircraft were parked on the right side of the taxiway, prompting the pilot to keep to the left to maintain adequate clearance. As he continued taxiing, the pilot observed another aircraft departing from the fuel tanker, positioned to his right. He slowed down and moved further left to allow the other aircraft to pass on his right side.
A green hut was situated on the left side of the taxiway. The pilot noticed the hut approximately 20 metres to his left front but then shifted his attention to the other taxiing aircraft. As the other aircraft passed by, the pilot felt the left wing tip of his aircraft contact the hut. He immediately set the parking brake and shut down the engine.
Pilot Experience
The pilot, aged 34, held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 99 total flying hours, of which 13 were on the Cessna 172 type. In the 90 days preceding the incident, he had flown 5 hours, with 3 hours in the last 28 days.
Aircraft Damage
The incident resulted in damage to the left wing panel and wing tip of G-AWUZ.
Pilot's Reflection
The pilot stated that his attention had been focused entirely on the other aircraft. Upon reflection, he believed he should have stopped before reaching the hut and allowed the other aircraft to pass before continuing to the fuel tanker.