What happened
On March 30, 1983, a Cessna A188B Agtruck, registration CS-AJI, operated by FOMAL, was taxiing at an improvised work airstrip in Boavista, Beja, following a landing. While the aircraft was maneuvering toward a refueling location, the propeller struck a Bedford pickup truck (registration CV-18-10) that was parked on the side of the runway. The collision caused dented propeller blades and damage to the vehicle's hood and left fender. There were no injuries to the pilot or any third parties.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation established that the aircraft was properly certified, equipped, and maintained according to regulatory standards, and the pilot held a valid commercial pilot license. The investigation focused on the environmental conditions of the landing site and the positioning of the vehicle. Investigators noted that the aircraft's propeller blades were damaged and subsequently replaced by technicians at the scene.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was reduced visibility and maneuvering difficulties caused by the uneven surface of the improvised runway.
- The presence of a vehicle parked in an inappropriate location near the runway edge contributed to the collision.
- The irregular terrain of the airstrip prevented the pilot from clearly identifying the parked vehicle during the taxi phase.