Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's misjudgment of the clearance between the airplane and the fuel pumps.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
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