Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from a parked vehicle during taxi.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While taxing at night from a parking area to runway 30 for takeoff, the commercial pilot inadvertently departed the taxiway and entered onto a service road. While trying to re-enter the taxiway from the service road the left wing tip struck a parked van. The airplane then pivoted around and struck a storage container. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
While taxing at night from a parking area to runway 30 for takeoff, the commercial pilot inadvertently departed the taxiway and entered onto a service road. While trying to re-enter the taxiway from the service road the left wing tip struck a parked van. The airplane then pivoted around and struck a storage container. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.