What happened
On 2 March 2003, a DR400/180R, registration G-ELUN, was involved in a ground incident at Kemble Airfield in Gloucestershire. The aircraft, operated as part of a private flight, was taxiing toward the holding point Alpha 1 for Runway 26. During the taxi maneuver, the pilot attempted to overtake a Cessna that was stationary on the taxiway centerline at Alpha 2. As the pilot moved to the left of the stationary aircraft, the left wing of the DR400/180R made contact with several traffic cones. These cones, which stood approximately 1 metre in height, had been positioned as a temporary barrier to restrict vehicle access to the taxiway. The impact resulted in damage to two ribs on the port side of the wing.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the positioning of the aircraft and the placement of the temporary traffic management equipment. It was established that the collision occurred specifically because the aircraft's wingtip swept through the area occupied by the cones while passing the stationary Cessna. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.