What happened
On 22 July 2016, at approximately 11:45 UTC, a Piper PA-25-235 Pawnee, registration G-BVYP, was involved in a ground collision at the Bidford Gliding & Flying Club in Warwickshire. The aircraft was engaged in aerial work at the time of the incident.
Following engine start-up, the pilot proceeded to taxi the aircraft forward with both doors folded down. After moving approximately 30 metres, the G-flyYP collided with a stationary CAP 10 aircraft that was parked in the vicinity. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller, a wing strut, and both wing leading edges of the Pawnee, as well as damage to the parked aircraft. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the taxiing maneuver and the visibility conditions within the cockpit. The investigation established that the aircraft's configuration, specifically its long nose and tail-dragger design, created a significant forward blind spot during ground movement.
Findings
- The collision occurred because the pilot failed to maintain a clear view of the path ahead.
- The lack of adequate visibility due to the aircraft's design and the pilot's failure to use weaving maneuvers to clear the blind spot was the primary factor in the collision.