Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the fuel station, resulting in a ground collision and fire.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while taxiing, after using a self-serve fuel station, the airplane’s left wing-tip fuel tank struck a post at the fuel station and a fire ignited. The pilot shut down the airplane’s engines and disembarked the airplane with his passenger. The left wing and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR23LA221 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 8, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bend, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Bend Municipal (KBND)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 340A
- N-number
- N340SW
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1978
- 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.