Hazard, KY, USA
N1156U
MOONEY M20J
The pilot stated that after landing he was taxiing the airplane to the parking ramp. With the self-service pumps clearly visible on the right side of the airplane, he taxied past them and reached over to open the cabin door. He sneezed twice and the airplane drifted right. The right wing impacted the fuel pump, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. Two witnesses who observed the accident reported that the airplane was taxiing fast. Review of security camera footage revealed that there were no obstructions in the immediate vicinity of the fuel pump. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot stated that he was taxiing to the parking ramp after landing, and the self-serve fuel pump was "clearly visible" on the right side of the airplane. As the airplane approached the fuel pump, the pilot reached over to open the cabin door and sneezed twice. The airplane "drifted right," and the right wing impacted the fuel pump, resulting in substantial damage to the wing. Two witnesses who observed the accident reported that the airplane was taxiing "fast" and "quickly" respectively. Review of security camera footage revealed that there were no obstructions in the immediate vicinity of the fuel pump. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a fuel pump while taxiing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s diverted attention.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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