MOONEY M20J
Hazard, KY — September 15, 2010
Event Information
| Date | September 15, 2010 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA491 |
| Event ID | 20100921X54226 |
| Location | Hazard, KY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 37.38583, -83.25694 |
| Airport | Wendell H Ford Airport |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MOONEY |
| Model | M20J |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fuel pump while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s diverted attention.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he was taxiing to the parking ramp after landing, and the self-serve fuel pump was "clearly visible" on the right side of the airplane. As the airplane approached the fuel pump, the pilot reached over to open the cabin door and sneezed twice. The airplane "drifted right," and the right wing impacted the fuel pump, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. Two witnesses who observed the accident reported that the airplane was taxiing "fast" and "quickly" respectively. Review of security camera footage revealed that there were no obstructions in the immediate vicinity of the fuel pump. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.