Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a light pole during taxi.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Shortly after landing, while taxing to the ramp to park, the solo student pilot was going to turn the airplane 180° to orient it with the parking spot. During the turn, the airplane’s left wing impacted a light pole resulting in substantial damage to wing spar. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.