Probable cause
The fuel truck driver’s distraction and inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in a collision with an airplane.
NTSB analysis
The pilot stated that he had just landed on the runway and was instructed by the tower controller to exit the runway to the left and taxi to the hangars. After exiting the runway, he stopped past the hold short line to perform the after-landing checklist. While he was performing the checklist items, the airplane was struck from behind by a fuel truck, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane’s empennage, elevators, and fuselage. The fuel truck driver stated that he was looking at his phone while he was crossing the runway and when he looked up, he saw the airplane in front of him. He applied the truck’s brakes, but the truck struck the airplane.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA26LA297 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 9, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Morgantown, West Virginia
- Nearest airport
- Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172N
- N-number
- N6175G
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1979
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.