What happened
On 15 June 2016, a collision occurred at Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome involving a Spitfire IXT and a Robinson R44 II. The Spitfire was performing a series of pleasure flights under Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent regulations and was completing its landing roll on Runway 28. Simultaneously, the Robinson R44 II was hover-taxiing from the apron toward the north side of the airfield to prepare for departure.
As the helicopter crossed the active runway, its tail rotor guard and empennage made contact with the propeller blade of the passing Spitfire. While the crew of the helicopter felt a slight bump and heard a noise, neither pilot was immediately aware that physical contact had occurred. Upon returning to the apron, the helicopter crew discovered damage to the empennage and tail rotor guard, while the Spitfire was found to have minor damage to one propeller blade.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined radio transmissions, witness statements, and aircraft damage. Witnesses on the ground, including a tractor driver and another pilot, observed the sequence of events. The tractor driver noted that while the helicopter pilot had transmitted a "crossing active" message, the volume was lower than previous calls, and the helicopter continued moving across the runway while the Spitfire was still on its landing roll.
Investigators found that the Spitfire pilot had used a curved approach to maintain visibility of the runway. However, once aligned with the runway centerline, the nose of the aircraft obscured the pilot's view of the parking apron. Furthermore, the helicopter pilot focused his lookout on approaching traffic rather than ground movements, and the helicopter passenger was preoccupied with a navigation app on an iPad.
Findings
- The Spitfire pilot's view of the apron was obscured by the aircraft's nose during the final stages of the approach.
- The helicopter pilot failed to observe the Spitfire because his lookout was directed toward approaching aircraft rather than the runway surface.
- The helicopter passenger did not assist in the lookout process.
- The helicopter continued to taxi across the runway without stopping to verify the area was clear.
- Gusty wind conditions contributed to the difficulty of the maneuver.