Incident Details
A student pilot reported that after landing, she was instructed by the tower controller to exit the runway at a specific taxiway and proceed to parking. The assigned taxi route required her to pass behind a Challenger jet aircraft that was parked on an intersecting taxiway. As she taxied behind the Challenger, the student pilot stated that her aircraft "started vibrating beyond control, moved around on the taxi way and [she] was unable to continue taxiing." During this event, the right wing and propeller of her aircraft struck the pavement, resulting in substantial damage.
Challenger Jet Operations
Radio communications between the control tower and the aircraft revealed that the Challenger had requested a taxi clearance to perform "maintenance runs." The crew of the Challenger consisted of mechanics who were conducting a run-up to verify proper engine operation. They reported that they were positioned on a crossing taxiway, approximately 40 to 60 feet from the intersection where the accident occurred. After the incident, the Challenger crew stated that they were operating the engines above idle thrust.
Airport Procedures and Manual Specifications
At the time of the accident, an airport operating instruction concerning aircraft engine testing and run-up was in effect. It stated that aircraft "shall be positioned so as to provide the least amount of interference with other taxiing aircraft, and where jet or propeller blast will not affect parked or taxiing aircraft." The tower reportedly did not question the Challenger crew about their proximity to the crossing taxiway. The Challenger aircraft operating manual specifies hazard areas regarding engine exhaust. At idle thrust, the exhaust stream hazard area extends to approximately 85 feet behind the engine. At a distance of 40 feet, the exhaust stream speed is 34 miles per hour. At maximum thrust, the hazard area exceeds 170 feet, with exhaust stream velocity of 272 miles per hour approximately 38 feet behind the engine and 136 miles per hour at a distance of about 58 feet.
Maintenance Facility Practices
An individual from the maintenance facility stated that the company did not have a formal training procedure for mechanics regarding aircraft ground operations and jet blast hazards.