What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2016-10-29 involved a aircraft, registration PPGCT, at BLUMENAU, SC, BR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a failure in pilot judgment, specifically the inability of the following aircraft to maintain a safe taxi speed and separation from the leading aircraft.

Two aircraft collide during taxi at Blumenau Aerodrome

An Aero Boero AB-115 and an AB-2 collided on the runway at Blumenau, Brazil, after the following aircraft failed to maintain a safe distance.

What happened

On October 29, 2016, at approximately 18:30 UTC, a collision occurred on the runway at the Blumenau Aerodrome (SSBL) in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The first aircraft, an Aero Boero AB-115 with registration PP-GCT, had just completed a local instruction flight and landed on runway 18. After landing, the crew performed a 180-degree turn to taxi toward the Aeroclube de Blumenau apron.

Simultaneously, an Aero Boero AB-2 with registration PU-ALX, carrying a pilot and one passenger, was positioned near the threshold of runway 36. The pilot of PU-ALX communicated via radio their intention to enter the runway and taxi behind PP-GCT toward the runway 18 threshold. While both aircraft were taxiing in the same direction, the nose of PU-ALX struck the tail of PP-GCT. All occupants of both aircraft escaped without injury, though both aircraft sustained substantial damage.

The investigation

CENIPA's investigation focused on the movement of both aircraft and the pilot's actions. The investigation established that the pilot of PU-ALX was operating with an expired medical certificate (since 2013) and an expired technical rating (since 2012). While the crew of PP-GCT held valid documentation, the investigation noted that the maintenance logs for the engine, propeller, and airframe of PP-GCT were outdated. Additionally, the weight and balance records for PU-ALX lacked the required official signature.

The pilot of PU-ALX stated that the collision occurred because the aircraft's position and design prevented a clear view of the aircraft ahead, and they mistakenly believed PP-GCT had come to a stop. However, the investigation found that the pilot of PU-ALX failed to maintain an appropriate taxi speed to prevent an excessive approach to the leading aircraft.

Findings

Improper pilot judgment regarding taxi speed and separation.
The pilot of PU-ALX failed to maintain a safe distance from the aircraft ahead, effectively attempting an overtaking maneuver without sufficient clearance.
The pilot of PU-ALX was operating with an expired medical certificate and an expired technical rating.
Maintenance documentation for PP-GCT was not up to date.
The weight and balance documentation for PU-ALX was incomplete due to a lack of authorized signature.