What happened
On 16 June 2004, an Islander BN-2B-26, registration EI-CUW, was involved in a ground incident at Weston Aerodrome in Co. Dublin. Following a ferry flight from the Isle of Man, the aircraft landed at Weston to refuel. After the refueling process was complete, the pilot began to taxi the aircraft at a speed of approximately 2 mph.
As the aircraft moved, the starboard wing passed over a ground fuel dispenser. The mass-balance of the right-hand aileron made contact with the dispenser, resulting in the structural failure of the mass-balance arm. The impact caused an abrupt movement in the control column. While the pilot initially attributed the sudden movement to a wind gust, air traffic control notified the pilot that the aircraft had struck the equipment. There were no injuries to the crew, and damage to the fuel dispenser was minimal.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical damage to the aircraft and the ground infrastructure. The inspection revealed that the right-hand aileron balance weight arm was both bent and cracked. As a result, the aileron was sent to the manufacturer for repairs. Precautionary measures included the replacement of the aileron hinge bearings, the drive rod, drive rod bolts, and attachment bolts.
Investigators also examined the fuel storage setup at the aerodrome, which utilized an overground tank connected to a standard forecourt dispenser. The investigation noted that the dispenser was positioned at the edge of a tarmac ramp, adjacent to the aircraft parking area, and that ground markings intended to warn of the presence of dangerous substances were inadequate.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was that the aircraft was parked too close to the fuel dispenser during the refueling process.
- The pilot, responsible for the parking and taxiing of the aircraft, failed to maintain sufficient clearance from the ground obstacle.
- A pre-flight or post-refueling check should have identified the proximity of the wing to the dispenser, potentially necessitating the use of a towing vehicle.
- There was a lack of sufficient ground markings to indicate the hazards associated with the fuel dispensing area.
Safety action
- Airport management was advised to seek urgent guidance from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) Airworthiness Department regarding the safety standards applicable to Avgas dispensers at airports.