What happened
On March 5, 2005, a Cessna 172M, registration EI-GSE, was taxiing at Weston Aerodrome following a local flight training exercise. While navigating toward a temporary parking area located on a western taxiway extension, the pilot observed another aircraft, EI-GSM, parked nearby with its engine running. To maintain a safe distance from the active engine, the pilot intentionally steered the aircraft to the right of the taxiway centerline.
During this maneuver, the starboard wingtip of EI-GSE made contact with the rudder of a parked and unattended Cessna 172M, registration EI-STT. The collision resulted in minor damage to both aircraft, including cracking to the wingtip of the moving aircraft and skin damage to the rudder of the stationary one. No injuries were reported.
The investigation
The AAIU investigation established that the parking area being used was an unapproved extension of the taxiway, established by the aerodrome operator due to soft ground conditions at the primary parking area. This area had not been sanctioned or licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), and the recent changes to the airfield layout were not reflected in the current Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
Investigators found that the temporary parking configuration failed to meet international and national safety standards for separation distances. Specifically, the distance between the taxi lane and parked aircraft was significantly less than the required 12 to 15 meters. Furthermore, the taxiway lacked necessary center-line markings, which are essential for providing pilots with visual guidance and alignment during ground maneuvers.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the failure to maintain adequate separation between aircraft while maneuvering on the ground.
- The pilot's decision to offset the aircraft to the right to avoid a running engine inadvertently reduced the clearance on the starboard side to a point of impact.
- The use of unauthorized aviation facilities contributed to the event, as the parking area did not meet required separation minimums.
- The absence of taxiway markings deprived the pilot of critical visual cues for safe positioning.
Safety action
To prevent future occurrences, it is recommended that the aerodrome licensee implement formal structures and procedures to ensure that all fixed aviation facilities used at the aerodrome are properly sanctioned and licensed by the IAA.