History of the Flight
The pilot reported landing on Runway 27 at Shobdon, Herefordshire. After landing, the aircraft taxied back using Taxiway 'B', which runs from the western end of the runway, very close to the northern boundary, towards the parking area midway along the field. Two large agricultural trailers were parked close to the taxiway on a narrow grass strip separating it from a neighbouring potato field. One of the trailers was positioned at a slight angle to the taxiway axis, and one corner of it was thus very close to or slightly overlapping the paved taxiway surface. Although the pilot manoeuvred the aircraft to avoid the obstruction, its left wing struck the corner of the trailer about 6 to 8 inches in from the tip.
Damage
The aircraft sustained impact damage to the outboard rib, the wing was bent back, and the rear spar was buckled.
Pilot's Comment
In his report, the pilot accepted that he had misjudged the available wing tip clearance.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Cessna F172L, registration G-AZXD, powered by one Lycoming O-320-E2D piston engine. It was manufactured in 1972. The flight was private. The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 60 years old, and had 308 hours of flying experience (26 hours on type). In the last 90 days, he had flown 22 hours, and in the last 28 days, 3 hours.