Piper PA 31-350 N555RG accident near Portland, Oregon

Probable cause

The failure of the fuel truck driver to see and avoid the taxiing airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that after landing during dark rainy night conditions, he exited the runway on taxiway E and contacted the ground controller. The controller instructed the pilot to taxi via E and E4 to the ramp. The pilot further reported that he proceeded to taxi south on E and made a left turn onto E4. On E4 the airplane's left wing was struck by a fuel truck. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

According to the local Police Department report, the fuel truck driver reported that he was driving on the south perimeter road and came to a stop at the stop sign for about 15 seconds. The driver continued to cross the intersection at about 5 miles per hour, and drove into the airplane. The fuel truck driver reported that he did not see the airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA051 for the full record.