Probable cause
The failure of the pilot to maintain adequate clearance/distance from the fuel truck during taxi.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that after he requested and received permission from the tower air traffic controller to taxi from the main terminal to the runway, he proceeded to taxiway A to prepare for takeoff. He passed the taxiway and the tower controller cleared him to turn back to the taxiway. The pilot initiated a right 270-degree turn and as the airplane nose crossed the taxiway centerline, he made a shallow left turn into the run up area. The pilot stated that during this turn he lost sight of the moving fuel truck and shortly thereafter, the left wing tip impacted the front of the fuel truck.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR10LA198 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 9, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Seattle, Washington
- Nearest airport
- Boeing Fld/King County Intern (BFI)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Grumman American Avn. Corp. G-1159
- N-number
- N706TJ
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.