What happened
On 9 May 2010, a Piper L18C Super Cub, registration G-BIZV, was taxiing through the hangar and ramp area at Newcastle Airfield, Co. Wicklow, following the completion of a solo flight. While the pilot was maneuvering along the taxiway with the intention of passing behind a stationary aircraft, a sudden gust of wind from the right side caused the tail-wheeled aircraft to swing sharply into the wind.
The pilot was unable to correct this sudden movement or stop the aircraft in time. As the G-BIZV weathercocked, its propeller struck the trailing edge of the starboard aileron of a parked RAJ Hamsa X-AIR Microlight, registration EI-DGG. The impact caused the engine to stall, prompting the pilot to shut off the ignition. There were no injuries to the crew, though both aircraft sustained damage. The G-BIZV suffered a dented propeller, a gouged hub, and a damaged cowling, while the EI-DGG required a new right aileron and wingtip components.
The investigation
The investigation examined the environmental conditions, the mechanical state of the aircraft, and the pilot's maneuvering techniques. Investigators analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics of tail-wheeled aircraft, noting that the larger surface area behind the main landing gear makes them particularly susceptible to weathercocking when subjected to crosswinds. The investigation also reviewed the regulatory status of the aircraft, finding that the pilot did not yet have the necessary Irish Aviation Authority permission to operate G-BIZV in Ireland on the day of the incident.
Findings
- The collision occurred because the G-BIT lost directional control due to a sudden wind gust.
- The weathercock effect was likely driven by a combination of the wind's strength, the aircraft's taxiing speed, and insufficient control inputs to counteract the wind.
- The proximity of the taxiing aircraft to the parked EI-DGG left the pilot with inadequate time or space to react to the unexpected wind shift.
- At the time of the incident, the pilot lacked the required IAA permission for the aircraft's operation in the state.