STRATFORD, CT, USA
N8137D
Piper PA-32-300
The flight had landed and was taxiing to the ramp, in an area that was not visible from the air traffic control tower, when the airplane and a snowplow truck collided. The pilot reported that he had looked to his left in the direction he was going to make a turn, and just as he looked to his right, he saw the truck backing up and then strike the right wing. The truck operator reported that he did not see the aircraft in his sideview mirror as he backed up. He stopped the truck and as he began to go forward, the airplane struck the truck. The collision resulted in the airplane being pushed sideways 6 inches and turned about 90 degrees to the right.
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.
inadequate visual lookout by the pilot and the vehicle operator, resulting in their failure to see and avoid each other.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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