Flight crew reported damage to a wing tip while taxiing to the CBP ramp in Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport; BRO; for customs inspection. The Captain stated an unlit fence; the lack of a marshaller; and no taxiway lead in lines contributed to the cause of the event.
Synopsis
Flight crew reported damage to a wing tip while taxiing to the CBP ramp in Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport; BRO; for customs inspection. The Captain stated an unlit fence; the lack of a marshaller; and no taxiway lead in lines contributed to the cause of the event.
Narrative
On the return flight from ZZZZ; we were advised to stop in Brownsville TX (BRO) for customs before proceeding to ZZZ. We made the flight uneventful after dodging numerous storms along the equator; and proceeded to the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) ramp where we were to be marshaled; but nobody was there. Also; the ramp was unlit as the Tower parking lot lights were off for some reason; this was confirmed by CBP that they are usually on. The left wingtip struck a near invisible fence and the aircraft was immediately turned to the right as we thought we had entered a hole in the pavement. Upon exiting the aircraft it was then noted that the wingtip had impacted the fence approximately 250 from entering the ramp. Wingtip damage was sustained and the nav lights were destroyed. The aircraft was moved to the FBO after processing customs and obtaining sufficient pictures and videos to show the damage and the situation it occurred in. Passenger was provided with alternative transportation to ZZZ and we notified maintenance and operations of the event prior to moving the aircraft.In the future; the ramp needs some light on it to identify all obstructions; also if a marshaller is not present; the aircraft should be brought to a stop until they are. This could have happened to anyone entering the CBP ramp as there are no centerline taxi lines and the right side is up against the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) area; making visibility a must. Also after landing the windows were fogging up due to the heat and humidity after being at altitude for over 7 hours.
Second reporter narrative
We landed on Runway 13 at Brownsville and cleared the runway at Taxiway D. Tower cleared us to taxi to Customs via Taxiway D; cross Runway 18; right turn on Taxiway B; past the Tower; and left turn into the ramp; down to Customs. I started the after landing checklist while the Captain taxied to the ramp. We reached the corner past the Tower where we were supposed to turn in. The Captain was unsure of our position as the ramp was dark and asked the Tower if we were in the correct spot. Tower replied affirmatively and to continue taxiing towards a green generator. The Captain replied to the Tower with some unintelligible phrases as we taxied forward attempting to locate the 'green generator.' We could not see the green generator from that distance in the dark. As we began our taxi forward; we received a cyan 'Splr/Stab Bit' message. The Captain pointed it out as we continued taxiing. Then the plane began vibrating and I asked the Captain why it was doing that and if it was the steering. A few moments later; the EMS Control Display Unit (CDU) showed the 'Wing Tip Light' circuit breaker failed. The Captain said he believes we hit the fence as he continued taxiing towards Customs.We reached Customs and shutdown the plane. A Customs Officer met us and asked us to go with him into the building to clear Customs. I sent the passenger; our flight attendant; and the Captain in first while I remained with the plane and called Dispatch and Maintenance to inform them of the incident and to get a recovery flight going for the passenger. When the three of them came back to the plane; I went in to clear Customs. The Officer inquired as to where we were intending to park the plane as we cannot remain on the Customs ramp until morning. I told him the FBO and that I will call them to make arrangements to taxi the plane there. I went back out to the plane and kept the passenger and crew updated on the status of the situation as I received information from the company.The FBO personnel came to the Customs ramp 30 minutes later to help guide and park the plane on their ramp. I offloaded the passenger and his luggage; walked him into the FBO; and made sure he was comfortable before going back out to the plane to help secure and shut it down.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.