What happened
On 18 January 2007, a Let 41 and UVP-E, registration OK-UBA, was performing a scheduled passenger flight from Runway 26 at Ronaldsway Airport, Isle of Man. While taxiing from Stand 11 via Taxiways F and A toward holding point A2, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions. The surface wind was recorded at 37 kt, with gusts reaching 57 kt.
As the aircraft approached the holding point, a powerful gust from the right quarter caused the right wing to lift. This movement resulted in the left wing tip fuel tank making contact with the ground. The aircraft subsequently settled back onto its landing gear, and the crew brought the aircraft to a halt. There were no injuries to the two crew members or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions and the aircraft's movement during the incident. The Airfield Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene but confirmed there were no fuel leaks. The aircraft was eventually towed back to its stand, with the damage restricted to the left wing tip fuel tank.
Investigators noted that the manufacturer does not provide specific wind speed limitations for ground operations. The commander, who had 1,170 hours of experience on this aircraft type, noted that he had initially decided to abort the departure due to the wind strength, but the gust occurred before he could notify Air Traffic Control.