The student pilot reported that while taxiing to the run-up area at the airport in Mesa, Arizona, he stopped when he noticed a construction vehicle in close proximity to the taxiway.
After he assessed the situation, he felt he had enough room to taxi around the vehicle on the left, so he continued to taxi the Diamond DA40.
However, while maneuvering around the vehicle he misjudged the clearance, and the right wing was substantially damaged when it collided with the vehicle.
While the student pilot was uninjured in the crash, the person driving the construction vehicle sustained minor injuries.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a vehicle while taxiing.
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This November 2020 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Silly me, I always though that aircraft always has the right a way while taxxing. Why is it not the construction vehicle’s fault?
Absolutely!
Taxi ways should be closed when any contruction is taking place