What happened
On June 6, 2020, at Aleksandrowice Airport (EPBA), a Jak 12M aircraft, registration SP-AWG, was conducting parachute jump operations. Following the completion of eight jumps, the pilot landed on runway 09 and taxied toward the parachute drop zone to pick up a new group of skydivers. After the passengers boarded, the pilot received clearance from the jump coordinator to taxi to the threshold of runway 09.
During the taxiing maneuver, approximately 100 meters from the threshold, the right wing of the aircraft struck a tractor equipped with a mower that was performing grass maintenance on the airfield. The collision occurred while the aircraft was taxiing directly toward the setting sun. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's right wing and the tractor's cabin, but no injuries were reported for any individuals in either vehicle.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the visibility conditions and the taxiing technique used by the pilot. The commission examined the aircraft's configuration, noting it is a taildragger (aircraft with a rear wheel), which inherently limits the pilot's forward view during taxiing. The investigation also considered environmental factors, specifically the position of the sun during the incident.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was pilot error, specifically taxiing straight ahead with limited visibility from the cockpit.
- Sunlight glare on the cockpit glazing, caused by taxiing toward the setting sun, likely contributed to the reduced visibility.
- The aircraft's taildragger configuration inherently restricts the pilot's ability to see obstacles directly in front of the aircraft while taxiing.
Safety action
- Parachute instructors have been instructed to use radio communications to alert pilots of potential obstacles on the taxi route.
- Pilots performing parachute jump operations have been briefed on the incident.
- The incident will be discussed at an Aviation Safety conference.
- The Commission emphasized that pilots operating taildragger aircraft should utilize a weaving (S-turn) taxiing technique to maintain better observation of the area ahead of the aircraft.