Overview of Incidents
The Belgian Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) conducted a limited-scope investigation into three ground collisions that occurred at Limburg Regional Airport (EBST) in 2019. The incidents involved a Piper PA-28-161, a Piper PA-46-350P, and a Diamond DA40 TDI Star. In all cases, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to their wings after striking a fence gate while taxiing. No injuries were reported in any of the occurrences.
Accident Details
The first incident occurred on 29 January 2019 at 14:05 UTC. A Piper PA-28-161, operated by a private pilot, landed from Antwerp Airport. While taxiing to exit the runway, the pilot encountered an obstructed taxiway and decided to backtrack. Unfamiliar with a recently installed gate, the pilot failed to follow the curved taxi line, causing the left wing to strike the gate edge.
The second incident took place on 30 April 2019 at 07:30 UTC. A Piper PA-46-350P taxied from runway 06 to the parking area. Similar to the first case, the aircraft deviated from the taxi line, resulting in the left wingtip hitting the fence.
Following these two accidents, the aerodrome operator improved markings by adding red and white indicators to the fence ends and extending the yellow taxi line to eliminate a short zigzag section. Despite these changes, a third incident occurred on 5 October 2019 at 10:45 UTC. A Diamond DA40 TDI Star, piloted by a student from Ostend Air College, struck the same fence with its right wing while taxiing back to runway 24R. The pilot reported checking clearance but still made contact during a turn toward the run-up area.
Contributing Factors and Recommendations
The investigation identified that the fence was installed in late 2018 following runway configuration changes. The gate's narrow width and non-perpendicular angle relative to the taxiway required precise maneuvering, which pilots failed to execute correctly. The AAIU noted that the dark green color of the fence did not stand out against the grass background. Recommendations emphasized that aerodrome operators must properly assess and mitigate risks associated with infrastructural adjustments before construction. Pilots were advised to constantly monitor wing clearance and rely on taxi lines for guidance, rather than assuming clearances.