What happened
The incident occurred at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport involving two aircraft. N80017, a Piper Aztec, had experienced engine trouble en route from Amarillo, Texas, prompting the pilot to shut down the left engine. Subsequently, electrical issues forced the pilot to secure all non-essential equipment, leaving only the number 2 radio, transponder, and rotating beacon operational. After landing at DFW, the pilot attempted to taxi but lost directional control due to the lack of power-assisted steering or braking assistance, coming to a stop on the taxiway.
Meanwhile, N130L, a Learjet 35A returning from Lubbock, Texas, landed at DFW and proceeded to cross runway 31L. While reducing power to taxi toward the ramp, the pilot noticed an object protruding into the left side of the taxiway. Upon realizing the object was the wing of an unlit aircraft, the pilot applied brakes, but the right propeller had already contacted the aft outboard section of N80017's wing.
The investigation
The investigation revealed that ground control did not advise the pilot of N130L regarding the position or condition of N80017 when clearing the Learjet to taxi to the ramp area. The Piper Aztec was unlit and stationary, presenting a significant hazard that was not communicated to arriving traffic.
Findings
The primary factor was the lack of situational awareness for the grounded aircraft. Contributing factors included:
- Electrical failure on N80017 leading to loss of directional control and inability to light navigation lights.
- Failure of ground control to provide critical information about the stationary, unlit aircraft to the taxiing Learjet.
- Propeller strike resulting in damage to the wing of N80017.
Safety message
Ground controllers must ensure that all aircraft are aware of the position and status of other aircraft on the movement area, particularly those that may be unlit or unable to move. Pilots of grounded aircraft should utilize available means to make their presence known if normal lighting systems fail.