Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a fuel truck while taxiing
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that while taxiing to the runway, he noticed a fuel truck was in close proximity to the taxiway. After he assessed the situation and felt that he had enough room to taxi around the fuel truck on the left, he continued to taxi. However, while maneuvering around the vehicle he misjudged the clearance, and the left wing was substantially damaged when it collided with the fuel truck. The student reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA306 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 27, 2021
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Farmingdale, New York
- Nearest airport
- Republic (FRG)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172
- N-number
- N73334
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.