ERA13CA100

Factual narrative

According to the pilot, after landing he taxied the airplane to the fixed base operator in order to use the external heater plugs on the ramp. In a written statement the pilot reported the airplane approached a parked fuel truck and he initiated a left turn; however, due to snow packed ramp conditions the airplane continued straight. He subsequently added more power and left rudder to get the airplane to turn. The right wing tip impacted the fuel truck grounding wire wheel. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar on the outboard 3 feet of the wing with one wing rib exposed. No other damage was noted on the airplane. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. According to the pilot, after landing, he taxied the airplane to the fixed base operator in order to use the external heater plugs on the ramp. He reported that he initiated a left turn as the airplane approached a parked fuel truck; however, due to snow-packed ramp conditions, the airplane continued straight. The pilot added more power and applied left rudder to get the airplane to turn. The right wing tip impacted the fuel truck grounding wire wheel. Examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right wing spar on the outboard 3 feet of the wing with one wing rib exposed. No other damage was noted on the airplane. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot - C
• C Aircraft-Aircraft handling/service-Towing and taxiing-Taxiing-Incorrect use/operation - C
• — Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Snowy/icy-Contributed to outcome