Piper PA-28-236 N2904R accident near Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a fuel farm fence while taxiing.

NTSB analysis

During a turn while taxiing near a fuel farm at a slow speed, the airplane's left wing contacted the fuel facility fence. Following the initial impact, the airplane pivoted toward the fence, resulting in additional contact with the fenced enclosure. The collision resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Following the accident, the pilot identified several areas to reduce the risk of similar occurrences. These areas included conducting a more deliberate visual assessment of obstacle clearance before initiating turns in confined ramp or taxi areas, requesting wing-walking assistance or external guidance when maneuvering near obstacles, and allowing additional taxi distance before beginning turns to increase wingtip clearance margins.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA272 for the full record.