Wind Blows Vehicle Into Parked Aircraft's Prop

If you've ever spent time in some of the more desolate locales in Nevada, you know how strong the winds can be... and the state's Department of Transportation can attest to that fact as well.

On Monday, a Rockwell Turbo Commander 690C (type shown at right) operated by the Nevada Department of Transportation was taken out of service when a truck rolled into one of the plane's propellers on the tarmac at Ely Municipal Airport (ELO).

Robert Chisel, assistant director of administration, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal the wind picked up, and blew the truck -- which did not have its parking brake set -- into the parked aircraft.

Though the prop took the brunt of the hit, there's a chance the plane sustained engine damage as well, Chisel added.

Repairs to the $750,000 plane will be covered by the insurance plan for Ely Jet Center.

NDOT operates a two-plane fleet to ferry staff members around the state. In addition to the Aero Commander, the department also utilizes a Cessna Citation II-SP; the department also owns a Cessna 210 used by the Highway Patrol.

While having its active aircraft fleet reduced by half will surely cause some issues, Chisel chose to look on the bright side.

"It is not really a problem," he said. "We are really trying to reduce travel and fuel consumption."

Well, that's one way to do it...

FMI: www.nevadadot.com/