Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot did not clear the area surrounding the airplane prior to taxi, resulting in the airplane contacting a piece of baggage.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The operator reported that, after loading the airplane, the pilot started to taxi, and the left engine's propeller struck a piece of baggage that was left on the ramp after a prior flight. The propeller picked up the baggage and threw it onto the upper left side of the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage.
Source record
Factual narrative
The operator reported that after loading the twin-engine airplane, the pilot had started to taxi, when the left engine's propeller struck a piece of baggage on the ramp. The propeller picked up the baggage and threw it onto the upper left side of the fuselage, resulting in substantial damage.