N5357H

On March 30, 1998, approximately 1330, eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N5357H, was substantially damaged when it collided with a fuel truck while taxiing at the Bradley International Airport, Windsor Locks, Connecticut. The certificated student pilot was uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed for the solo cross country training flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

The student pilot was on his second solo cross country flight, which originated from the Schenectady County Airport, Schenectady, New York, at 1246. After landing on runway 24 at Bradley International Airport, the student pilot was cleared to taxi to the general aviation parking area from taxiway "Hotel". The student pilot reported that he was not familiar with the airport and requested progressive taxi instructions. Upon arrival at taxiway "Foxtrot", the student pilot made a left turn into the general aviation area.

The student pilot recalled that near the throat of taxiway "Foxtrot", there was a linesman and a twin airplane holding for him to taxi pass. The linesman signaled to the student pilot to taxi straight ahead, then signaled to turn left in front of two parked airplanes. After completion of the left turn, the student pilot stated he was directed to a second linesman, who was positioned at his 11 o'clock. With his back turned to the student pilot and looking over his right shoulder, the second linesman reported that his left hand was up in the air, and his right hand was pointing to the ground in front of him. The student pilot stated that he thought that the linesman wanted him to taxi straight ahead and to stop adjacent to two parked airplanes. Focused on the linesman and where he thought he was being directed to go, the student pilot did not notice the parked fuel truck. The student pilot reported that there were no taxi lines to follow when the right wing tip struck the mirror on the fuel truck, cracking the right rear spar.