Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distracted attention.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he landed at a private airstrip and his friend was landing behind him. He taxied from the runway and was moving to the side of the airstrip while looking out the window as his friend landed. During the taxi, the left wing impacted a tree which turned the airplane and resulted in damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that no mechanical failures occurred prior to the accident.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that he landed at a private airstrip and his friend was landing behind him. He taxied from the runway and was moving to the side of the airstrip while looking out the window as his friend landed. During the taxi, the left wing impacted a tree which turned the airplane and resulted in damage to the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot stated that no mechanical failures occurred.