What happened
On July 31, 2016, at approximately 13:30 LMT, a Cessna 172, registration SP-KGA, was taxiing toward runway 29 at the Przasnysz-Sierakowo (EPPZ) airfield. During the maneuver, the left wing of the aircraft struck a fence post located immediately adjacent to the taxiway. This impact caused the aircraft to rotate 90 degrees, subsequently leading to a collision between the nose of the aircraft and the airfield perimeter fence.
At the time of the incident, another aircraft was on final approach for landing. The pilot of the Cessna 172 attempted to avoid taxiing directly onto runway 29 to remain clear of the arriving traffic, but in doing so, failed to maintain sufficient clearance from the airfield boundary.
No injuries were reported following the incident.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the sequence of events, the pilot's flight experience, and the physical circumstances at the airfield. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid SEP(L) license and medical certification. At the time of the accident, the pilot had a total flight time of 107 hours and 5 minutes, with 17 hours and 3 minutes experienced on this specific aircraft type.
Findings
- The pilot failed to maintain an adequate distance between the aircraft and the airfield fence.
- The pilot's improper assessment of the distance to obstacles during taxiing led to the wing striking the fence post.
- The maneuver was influenced by the pilot's attempt to avoid runway 29 while another aircraft was approaching for landing.