Incident Overview
A pilot was directed by air traffic control to cross taxiway "A" straight onto the ramp where the pilot had a permanent tie-down spot. Due to a jet being moved at the west-most portion of the open area preceding the ramp, the pilot chose to taxi north through the east portion of the open area adjacent to the tie-down spot.
Taxi and Impact
The pilot stated he was taxiing at a normal "fast walking pace" with engine power set at 1,000 rpm. As he approached the north side of the open area, he heard a loud banging noise and felt the airplane pitch over on its nose. The tires had contacted a helicopter dolly, causing a sudden stop and pitch-over. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the bottom fuselage structure and the landing gear strut attach points.
Helicopter Dolly Description
The helicopter dolly was a 10-by-10-foot square, 1-foot-high wooden deck with a metal frame, castered wheels, foot pads, and a "Y-shaped" tow bar. The deck was natural wood colored, and the frame was painted white. It was located at the northwest corner of the TAC Air ramp, abeam the A3 taxiway, approximately 18 feet south of the west-to-east running yellow taxi stripe leading from taxiway "A" to the ramp.
Pilot's Perspective
The pilot reported that while taxiing, he was actively scanning for conflicts and noting all aircraft and vehicles in the vicinity, but never saw the dolly until the airplane struck it. He stated that his airplane "has decent forward visibility when in the three-point configuration and normally does not require weaving to be able to see objects off the nose. At only one foot high, completely flat, and neutral in color, the object (helicopter dolly) is quite difficult to spot." He also noted that "the dolly was placed in a common movement area."
Area and Guidance
The area through which the pilot taxied was considered a non-movement area. According to the 2005 Aeronautical Information Manual, non-movement areas are taxiways and apron (ramp) areas not under control of air traffic. Aircraft clearance from other aircraft or objects while taxiing in these areas is the responsibility of the pilot.
Observed Marking
FAA inspectors observed a faded "NO TAXI" marking on the non-movement area approximately 30 feet south of the helicopter dolly. The marking was located such that the pilot would have taxied over it before striking the helicopter dolly.