ATL02LA152

The pilot stated he was taxiing to the ramp for parking when he observed a lineman run out to direct him around two other parked airplanes. His attention was focused on adequate clearance for airplane off his right, and on the lineman directing him forward. He did not notice the pole on the tarmac edge and he did not observe the stop signal from the lineman. He continued forward and the wing collided with the pole. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the left wing tip and wrinkling at the wing root. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane before the collision.

On August 5, 2002, about 1400 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150, N50347, registered to a private owner, collided with a pole on the parking ramp while taxiing at the Lakeland-Linder Regional Airport, Lakeland, Florida. The personal flight operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The trailing edge of the left wing at the wing root was wrinkled and the flap was touching the rear window. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The flight originated from Tampa, Florida, at 1330.

The pilot stated after landing he taxied to the terminal. He saw the lineman run out to direct him around two other airplanes parked in front of the terminal. His attention was focused on adequate clearance for the airplane on his right, and on the lineman directing him forward. He did not notice the pole at the tarmac edge was about 4 to 6 inches in from his wing, and he did not see an arms crossed stop signal from the lineman. "My focus was on him, however it is also my responsibility to see/avoid this obstacle."

The lineman stated the airplane entered the ramp from the east side of the taxiway. The lineman waved his hands to get the pilot's attention. When the pilot made his way around a parked Lear jet, the lineman pointed to where he wanted the pilot to park. The pilot approached the grass at an angle. The pilot maneuvered the airplane about 6 feet from the grass and the light pole. He noticed the airplane might collide with the pole and gave the pilot the stop signal, but the pilot did not see the stop signal. The pilot's attention was focused forward, which was toward the grass and the pole.

The Air Traffic Manager for Lakeland Tower stated, while eating lunch he watched N50347 a Cessna 152 taxi into a light pole on the ramp. Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the left wing tip and wrinkling at the wing root. The pilot did not report a mechanical problem with the airplane before the collision.