What happened
On May 25, 2019, an An-2 aircraft was operating skydiving flights at Gliwice Airport (EPGL). Following its third departure of the day, the crew requested taxi instructions to the fuel station to replenish the aircraft's fuel supply.
While taxiing from the runway, the aircraft completed a 90-degree turn from the taxiway onto the apron area in front of the fuel station. During this maneuver, the pilot observed that the aircraft continued to drift off course despite the application of brakes. The commander instructed the co-pilot to apply the brakes; however, as the aircraft continued to move toward parked trucks, the co-pilot shut down the engine. The aircraft subsequently struck a truck spoiler with the tip of its left upper wing, bringing the movement to a halt.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator's commission, examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the crew's actions. Post-collision inspections of the aircraft's pneumatic system showed that the air pressure was within the normal operating range at 40 atm. Subsequent testing of the aircraft's control surfaces and braking system confirmed they were functioning correctly.
Authorities also conducted alcohol testing on the crew, which yielded a result of 0.00 mg/l. The investigation confirmed that the crew held the necessary qualifications for the flight and that the aircraft possessed all required technical documentation and valid insurance.
Findings
- The collision resulted in a dent to the tip of the aircraft's wing and damage to the truck's spoiler and headlight.
- There were no injuries to the crew.
- The investigation identified a temporary malfunction of the aircraft's pneumatic braking system as the probable cause of the incident.