Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance with a fuel truck while taxiing
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The student pilot reported that while taxiing to the runway, he noticed a fuel truck was in close proximity to the taxiway. After he assessed the situation and felt that he had enough room to taxi around the fuel truck on the left, he continued to taxi. However, while maneuvering around the vehicle he misjudged the clearance, and the left wing was substantially damaged when it collided with the fuel truck. The student reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.