What happened
On 6 July 2014, a Skyranger 912(2), registration G-CCCK, was involved in a ground collision at Newtownards Airfield in Northern Ireland. The pilot, who was performing a conversion from flexwing to fixed-wing aircraft, had just completed a 90-minute flight in challenging crosswind conditions. After dropping off an instructor, the pilot was taxiing the aircraft toward its parking position. While navigating past a stationary aircraft, the pilot attempted to execute a right-hand turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft veered sharply to the left, striking the propeller of the parked aircraft before ultimately coming to a stop against a corrugated hangar. There were no injuries to the pilot, and the aircraft sustained minor damage, including a dented wing leading edge and ripped fabric.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was in the process of transitioning between different aircraft types. The pilot's previous experience was primarily with flexwing aircraft. The investigation examined the mechanics of the turn and the pilot's physical inputs during the taxiing phase. It was determined that the pilot applied the incorrect rudder pedal to achieve the desired direction.
Findings
- The pilot was transitioning from a flexwing aircraft to a fixed-wing aircraft.
- In the pilot's previous flexwing aircraft, a right-hand turn was achieved by moving the left foot forward.
- In the Skyranger 912(2), moving the left pedal forward results in a left-hand turn.
- The pilot applied the incorrect rudder pedal input, causing the aircraft to turn rapidly in the unintended direction.