What happened
On 30 August 1998, a BN2T Islander, registration G-LEAP, was involved in a ground incident at Thruxton Airfield, Hampshire. The aircraft was operating as a passenger flight, though no passengers were on board at the time of the event. Following a successful landing, the pilot began taxiing toward a refueling point, navigating between two rows of parked aircraft.
During this maneuver, the aircraft made contact with a parked Cessna. While the pilot's initial post-flight inspection of the BN2T Islander showed no signs of impact, the pilot was later notified that a collision had occurred during the approach to the refueling area.
The investigation
An investigation was conducted following the report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the aircraft involved in the contact and the sequence of the taxiing maneuver. While the pilot had not identified any damage to G-LEAP during his immediate walk-around, the investigation focused on the damage sustained by the other aircraft involved.
Findings
- The inspection of the Cessna aircraft revealed damage to its fin and rudder.
- A subsequent, more detailed examination of the BN2T Islander found no evidence of contact with the Cessna.