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NTSB Report
March 20, 2013 · Cessna 172 S · N421ER
Gila Bend, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 2013
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Gila Bend, AZ
Aircraft
Cessna 172 S
Tail Number
N421ER
Operator
Westwind School of Aeronautics
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR13CA158
The student pilot reported that while taxiing to the ramp on the parking apron instead of the taxiway, he misjudged the airplane's wing distance from an above-ground fuel tank. The airplane’s left wing contacted the fuel tank and was substantially damaged. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Ground equipment-Not specified
Full Narrative
The student pilot reported that while taxiing to the ramp he misjudged the airplane's wing distance from the upper part of a fuel tank at the fueling station. The left wing contacted the tank and was substantially damaged. The pilot's taxi route was actually on the parking apron instead of the taxiway, which brought the airplane within close proximity to the fueling station. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:15 MST
Nearest AirportGila Bend Municipal Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172 S
Tail NumberN421ER
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWestwind School of Aeronautics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-L2A · Reciprocating · 180
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 27 · First Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 39 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time17:15
Weather SourceWFAC