What happened
On 11 December 2004, a Cessna 210, registration HB-CXF, arrived at Ängelholm Helsingborg airport following a five-hour flight from Italy. The weather at the time of arrival was characterized by mist and a low cloudbase of 500 feet. After successfully landing on runway 14, the pilot was instructed by air traffic control to taxi toward the terminal area via taxiway F.
As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, the pilot observed a sign for taxiway F with a 45-degree directional arrow. Approximately 100 meters past this sign, the pilot identified what appeared to be a high-speed turn-off and a visible centerline. The pilot turned the aircraft onto this surface, but upon leaving the runway pavement, the wheels sank into soft earth. The sudden impact caused the nosewheel to break, bringing the aircraft to an abrupt halt. No injuries were reported among the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) examined the state of the airport's infrastructure during the period of reconstruction. The investigation established that taxiway F had recently been moved 60 meters closer to the runway threshold. While the old taxiway surface had been replaced with earth and seeded with grass, the old centerline had merely been overpainted with gray paint, making it still visible to approaching pilots.
Furthermore, the investigation found that while a NOTAM had been issued for the initial construction phase, the updated airport documentation (AIP) had not yet been published to reflect the new layout. The replacement sign for the new taxiway configuration, which would have indicated a 90-degree angle rather than 45 degrees, had been delayed in delivery.
Findings
- The airport's published documentation failed to state that the taxiway system was in an unfinished state.
- The signage and markings for the taxiway system did not comply with applicable regulations and provided misleading guidance to the pilot.
- The deficiencies in airport documentation, signage, and markings were the primary drivers of the accident.
- The airport's safety management system failed to adequately analyze the risks associated with the incomplete reconstruction or to implement sufficient visual warnings for the unserviceable area.
Safety action
The SHK recommended that the Swedish Civil Aviation Authority follow up to ensure that safety analysis and management requirements for approved airports are strictly met.