What happened
On August 20, 2015, a Cessna 172M flying from the Netherlands arrived at the Brasschaat (EBBT) airfield. After landing on runway 16, the pilot began taxiing toward the clubhouse. During the taxi maneuver, the pilot's attention was drawn to a winch and a vehicle with a rotating warning light located near the runway extension. While focused on this activity, the pilot failed to notice a small van parked just one meter from the left edge of the taxiway. The left wingtip of the aircraft struck the van, causing the plane to swerve and the propeller to impact the side of the vehicle. There were no injuries to the two occupants of the aircraft.
The investigation
The AAIU(Be) investigation established that the pilot had attempted to contact the airfield management via telephone prior to arrival to satisfy Prior Permission Required (PPR) requirements, but was unable to reach anyone. Because the motorized aircraft section of the club was closed that day, the pilot proceeded to land based on visible activity from the glider section. The investigation found that the pilot, unfamiliar with the specific layout of the airfield, continued past the clubhouse and into an area typically reserved for glider operations. The inquiry noted that the aircraft sustained damage to the left wingtip, leading edge, and rear spar, while the van sustained damage to its right side, including impacts from the propeller.
Findings
- Pilot distraction was the primary cause of the collision.
- The pilot landed at the airfield without having established confirmed contact with management.
- The pilot was unable to locate the designated aircraft parking area.
- A lack of clear signage or signalization existed to indicate that certain portions of the taxiway were restricted.
- There was a prevailing practice within the glider section to leave obstacles near the taxiway area, as motorized aircraft rarely enter that specific zone.