What happened
On 20 July 2021, a modified Spitfire Mk.T IX, registration G-CTIX, was returning to its parking position at Dux and following a local flight. While taxiing across the grass runway onto the paved taxiway, the pilot was instructed to hold position due to other traffic under tow. Once cleared to proceed, the pilot navigated toward the parking area near the Eastern Apron.
At the time, construction work was reducing the available parking space on the apron. As the pilot began a reverse turn to enter the parking area, the aircraft's right wing made contact with the left wing of a stationary PA-28 located at the A24 holding point. The collision resulted in no injuries to the crew or passenger, though both aircraft sustained minor cosmetic damage, specifically paint marks on the underside of the Spitfire's right wing.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot of G-CTIX had elected to taxi with the canopy closed to avoid potential carbon monoxide exposure, a departure from his usual practice. This decision significantly restricted the pilot's field of view from the cockpit. Additionally, the pilot was not informed by the Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer (AFISO) that the PA-28 was holding at the A24 point.
Investigators found that while a NOTAM had previously announced the reduced apron size, it had expired two days prior to the event, and no updated notice had been issued regarding the ongoing works. The investigation also noted that the pilot's view was further complicated by the need to weave the taildragger aircraft to see the taxi route, a maneuver made more difficult by the closed canopy.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to taxi with the canopy closed reduced visibility and necessitated more pronounced turns to check the path ahead.
- The AFISO failed to provide the pilot with necessary traffic information regarding the stationary PA-28.
- The lack of a valid NOTAM regarding the reduced apron area meant that both the pilot and the AFISO were not formally alerted to the changed movement area constraints.
- Ongoing construction work near the taxiway acted as a significant distraction.