N40888

Substantial
None

PIPER J-5A S/N: 5-1198

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 23, 1995
NTSB Number
CHI95LA194
Location
WAUSAU, WI
Event ID
20001207X03674
Coordinates
44.959171, -89.639167
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's misjudgment of the clearance between the airplane and the fuel pumps.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
5-1198
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1941
Model / ICAO
J-5A J5
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
3
FAA Model
J5A

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
UHL CHMIEL JOHN WYATT
Address
511 KENT ST
City
WAUSAU
State / Zip Code
WI 54403-6929
Country
United States

Analysis

On June 22, 1995, at 2010 central daylight time, a Piper J-5A, N40888, registered to John P. Chmiel of Wausau, Wisconsin, and piloted by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with fuel pumps on an aircraft refueling island during taxi for departure at the Wausau Municipal Airport, Wausau, Wisconsin. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The airplane was going to depart from Wausau, Wisconsin, at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot's statement, he was taxing the airplane in a confined area when he misjudged his distance from the fuel pumps. He said the right main landing gear and wing strut struck the fuel pumps during taxi. The pilot said the collision broke the right landing gear forward mounting bolt. He said the right wing struts and associated jury struts were badly bent. The right wing's main spar was cracked at the jury strut mount, according to the pilot.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI95LA194