Primary finding
Probable cause
The student pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a fuel truck while taxiing. Also contributing was the flight instructor’s inadequate monitoring of the student pilot.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor and the student pilot were practicing crosswind takeoffs and landings. After completing two successful landings, the student pilot was taxiing back to the runway when the airplane drifted to the right and the right wing impacted a fuel truck parked next to the taxiway. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.