What happened
On September 4, 2020, a PIPER PA-28-181, registration EC-CZO, was involved in a ground collision at the Casarrubios del Monte airfield in Toledo. The aircraft, operated by Airpilot Escuela de Vuelo, S.L., had just completed a flight training mission from Valladolid and had landed on runway 08.
While taxiing toward the apron, the crew encountered a tractor on the taxiway. The tractor, which was transporting a large tank, had stopped because the load had shifted and fallen from its implement. The tractor was positioned such that it partially obstructed the taxiway. The crew attempted to maneuver the aircraft to the right to bypass the obstacle; however, the left wingtip struck the tractor, causing significant damage to the leading edge of the left wing.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation focused on the sequence of events during the taxi phase and the physical dimensions of the maneuver. Investigators examined the aircraft's movement relative to the tractor and the width of the taxiway. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's documentation and the crew's licenses were valid at the time of the event. The investigation also noted that the tractor lacked any lighting or radio signaling, which contributed to the difficulty in anticipating the obstacle.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an incorrect assessment of the clearance margin required to pass the obstacle.
- The aircraft was taxiing at an excessive speed, which prevented the crew from braking effectively once the lack of space became apparent.
- The tractor was occupying a significant portion of the 7.5-meter wide taxiway, leaving only approximately 0.5 meters of clearance between the left wingtip and the opposite edge of the taxiway during the attempted bypass.
- The tractor was operating without any visual signaling or radio communication.
- There were no injuries to the instructor or the student pilot on board.