Collision at Cuatro Vientos Involving EC-HIK and EC-ACB

Incident Overview and Location On July 5, 2012, at 12:30 local time, a collision occurred at the runway 28 holding point at Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid. The incident involved a Cessna 173-N, registration EC-HIK, and a Miles Falcon Six M-3C, registration EC-ACB. The Cessna was stationary at the holding point, conducting a pre-takeoff engine check, when the Miles Falcon, which was crossing the runway from a military area, struck it. ## Aircraft and Personnel The Cessna 173-N, operated by Aerotec, was powered by a Lycoming O-320-H2AD engine. It was piloted by a 21-year-old student pilot with 45 total flight hours, all in the same type. The Miles Falcon Six M-3C, operated by FIO, was powered by a De Havilland Gipsy-Six engine. It was piloted by a 63-year-old pilot holding an ATPL(A) license with over 25,000 total flight hours and approximately 50 hours in the type. ## Damage and Injuries The Miles Falcon sustained minor damage, including scratches on its propeller, right wing leading edge, and engine cowling. The Cessna suffered significant damage to the right side of its tail assembly. All occupants of both aircraft were uninjured. ## Contributing Factors The Miles Falcon pilot reported not seeing the Cessna due to the aircraft's taildragger configuration, which severely limits forward visibility, particularly to the right. Additionally, air traffic control did not directly inform the Miles Falcon pilot of the traffic at the holding point. The two aircraft were communicating on different radio frequencies, preventing the Miles Falcon pilot from hearing the Cessna's communications.