What happened
On 26 July 2009, an Avions Pierre Robin DR400-120, registration F-GMGP, arrived at Alderney Airport in the Channel Islands following a routine private flight from Lessay, France. After completing the landing, the pilot was instructed to taxi via the right side of Taxiway B to the parking area.
As the aircraft proceeded along the taxiway, which features a downward slope, the pilot attempted to use the foot brakes. However, during this process, the pilot's seat moved abruptly and slid toward the rear of the cockpit. This sudden movement rendered the pilot unable to reach the rudder pedals or the foot brakes. Consequently, the aircraft failed to follow the intended curve of the taxiway and continued straight, eventually striking the airfield boundary hedge and fence at a low speed. The impact resulted in damage to the propeller and the pitot tube.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the mechanical failure of the cockpit seating and the pilot's inability to control the aircraft's direction during the taxi phase. While the pilot had verified that the seat was locked in position prior to departing from France, the cause of the seat's sudden displacement during the descent on the taxiway remained unexplained.