Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
inadequate visual lookout by the pilot and the vehicle operator, resulting in their failure to see and avoid each other.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On February 16, 1996, about 1200 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N8137D, was substantially damaged while taxiing at Sikorsky Airport, Bridgeport, Connecticut. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The personal flight was being conducted in accordance with 14 CFR Part 91.
The flight had landed and was taxiing to the ramp, in an area that was not visible from the control tower, when the aircraft and a snowplow truck collided. The collision involved the right wing of the aircraft and the rear of the truck.
According to the police report, the pilot stated he was taxiing through the area, looked to this left because he was going to turn in that direction, and just as he turned to the right, he saw the truck as it was backing up. The truck subsequently struck the airplane.
According to the police report, the truck operator had just plowed the fuel station. He backed the truck up, stopped, and as he started to go forward, he was struck by the airplane.
According to the FAA, the collision resulted in the airplane being pushed sideways 6 inches and turned 90 degrees to the right.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC96LA064