Probable cause
The fuel truck driver's inattention, which resulted in backing over a warning cone and into the horizontal stabilizer of the airplane.
NTSB analysis
The airplane was standing at the terminal while cargo was being loaded and the co-pilot was onboard preparing for flight. The captain, outside the airplane, directed the fuel truck driver to drive around to the right side of the airplane and prepare to fuel the airplane. The captain had intended to direct the truck after preparing the fuel service panel, but turned around to see the truck back over an orange marker cone and into the airplane's horizontal stabilizer.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right horizontal stabilizer and elevator.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA043 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 16, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Greer, South Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Greenville Spartanburg Intl (GSP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Short Bros SD 360-300
- N-number
- N688AN
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1984
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
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.