Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a hangar while taxiing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while taxiing to the parking area after landing, he noticed that the steering became difficult. He added power and pulled back on the control yoke, noting that the aircraft movement became smooth. As he initiated a right turn to the parking area, the airplane suddenly moved to the left and the left wing struck a hangar. The left wing sustained structural damage. He further reported that following the collision, he turned off the engine, exited the airplane, and noticed that the nose wheel tire was flat. The pilot reported that there were no additional mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that while taxing to the parking area after landing, he noticed that the steering became difficult. The pilot added power and pulled back on the control yoke, noting that the aircraft movement became smooth. As he initiated a right turn to the parking area, the airplane suddenly moved to the left and the left wing struck a hangar. The left wing sustained structural damage. The pilot further reported that following the collision, he shut down the engine, exited the airplane, and noticed that the nose wheel tire was flat. The pilot reported that there were no additional mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.