Accident Overview
On 4 September 2015 at 0955 UTC, a Cessna 172P Skyhawk (registration G-BNRR, serial number 172-74013) collided with a parked vehicle while taxiing at North Weald Airfield, Essex. The aircraft was manufactured in 1981 and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-D2J piston engine. The flight was a private operation with only the pilot on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence and was 32 years old, with a total flying experience of 170 hours, of which 168 were on type. His recent flying experience included 7 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
After landing, the aircraft was taxiing along the taxiway centreline toward the allocated parking area. As it approached a vehicle parked on the edge of the taxiway, the pilot became distracted by children running in the direction of his aircraft. He noted that there was no physical barrier preventing the children from becoming a hazard. While distracted, the left wingtip of the aircraft struck the parked vehicle. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw left before coming to a stop. The pilot shut down the engine and vacated the aircraft normally.
Damage
The left wing leading edge, lower spar, and rear window sustained damage. Additionally, the aircraft’s rear right window cracked during the accident.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that his attention was drawn to the children, and as a result, he misjudged the space available between his aircraft and the parked vehicle on the taxiway.
Injuries and Occupants
No injuries were sustained by the pilot, and there were no passengers on board.
Investigation Information
This summary is based on the Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the pilot to the UK AAIB.