Introduction
On 13 May 2017, a DH82A Tiger Moth (G-ANNG) and an Avions Pierre Robin CEA DR300/180R (G-BVYM) were involved in a ground collision at Old Sarum Airfield, Wiltshire. The Tiger Moth was conducting a training flight, while the Robin was on a private flight. Both aircraft carried one crew and one passenger each. No injuries were reported.
Events
The Tiger Moth was parked on the northern side of Runway 06/24. Runway 24 was in use, and the wind was from 210° at 16 kt, requiring the pilot to turn left from his parking position to taxi toward the active runway. After starting the engine, the pilot reported that a fair amount of power was needed to start rolling across the firm, dry grass surface, resulting in excess speed as he began the turn. During the turn, the aircraft continued turning left toward an area of parked aircraft. The pilot attempted to avoid a collision by applying a burst of power and full right rudder, but this was insufficient to turn the aircraft, which had a tailskid and was not equipped with brakes. The pilot switched off the engine before the Tiger Moth rolled into the stationary Robin. The Robin's engine was not running; its two occupants were conducting pre-start checks.
Damage
G-ANNG sustained damage to the leading edge of its left wing. G-BVYM sustained damage to the leading edge of its left wing, propeller, spinner, and engine cowl. The occupants of both aircraft were uninjured and vacated their aircraft normally without assistance.
Cause
The pilot of G-ANNG attributed the accident to taxiing with a quartering tailwind and the application of full nose-right rudder having the opposite effect to that intended, combined with the minimal braking or steering provided by the firm and dry ground.