What happened
On 20 December 2015, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-BRUD, was involved in a ground accident at Blackpool Airport. During a private flight, the pilot was taxiing toward the refueling pumps via the Bravo taxiway. To avoid a large fuel bowser parked near the pumps, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to the left, steering away from the yellow centerline markings at a low speed.
As the aircraft passed the obstruction, the pilot experienced three loud bangs accompanied by a shudder through the airframe. Upon coming to a halt near the pumps, it became apparent that the propeller had made contact with the ground. There were no fatalities or injuries resulting from the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the taxiway surface where the incident occurred. They identified a large pothole filled with water that the nosewheel had entered. This pothole coincided with three distinct slash marks in the tarmac, indicating where the propeller had struck the surface.
Further inspection of the aircraft revealed that the propeller was damaged and the engine had sustained a shock-load. The pilot noted that there were no NOTAMs issued regarding the condition of the taxiway, nor had Air Traffic Control provided warnings regarding the obstruction near the pumps. Documentation and photographs provided by the pilot indicated that the tyre pressures and landing gear oleo extensions were within correct operating limits at the time of the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the propeller strike was the nosewheel entering a water-filled pothole while the pilot was maneuvering to avoid a parked fuel bowser.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and a shock-load to the engine.