What happened
During a return leg of a charter flight, a Cessna 172, registration ZK-FGV, was taxiing at Nelson aerodrome. The pilot, carrying three passengers, had received clearance from Nelson Tower to taxi toward runway 20. As the aircraft moved from its parked position, the pilot observed a Metro aircraft nearby with its engines running at idle power.
As the pilot turned to enter the taxiway, the ZK-FGV passed approximately 30 metres behind the Metro. At this moment, the Metro's engine power increased significantly. The resulting slipstream caused the Cessna to weathercock. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot stopped the taxi, turned the aircraft into the slipstream, applied the brakes, and pushed the control column forward. Approximately 45 seconds later, the aircraft's main wheels momentarily lifted off the ground. The aircraft then settled heavily back onto the surface, resulting in the propeller and the left wingtip striking the ground.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the aerodynamic forces acting on the Cessna 172 during the taxi maneuver. Investigators examined the proximity of the two aircraft and the change in power settings of the Metro aircraft. The investigation also considered the environmental conditions, noting that the area was experiencing strong wind gusts at the time of the incident.