What happened
On 6 June 2010, a Cessna 150M, registration G-BPAX, was involved in a ground collision at Shoreham Airport, West Sussex. The aircraft was parked on a grass area near the main terminal building. The pilot had completed the external pre-flight inspection and entered the cockpit to proceed with the flight preparations.
Upon starting the engine with the throttle set just above idle, the engine speed surged rapidly to a maximum of approximately 2,500 rpm. This sudden acceleration caused the aircraft to move forward and veer toward the left, lifting the nosewheel from the ground. The pilot attempted to use the brakes and steering to avoid a collision with a nearby Diamond DA 4/40 D Diamond Star, registration G-CDEK, which was parked on an adjacent hardstanding. Despite these efforts, the Cessna 150M travelled roughly 90 feet before striking the parked aircraft. The engine stalled following the impact, and the pilot, who sustained no injuries, exited the aircraft as emergency services arrived.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden increase in engine RPM and the failure of the pilot to stop the aircraft. An engineer inspected the braking system of G-BPAX and confirmed that the brakes were fully serviceable and capable of stopping the aircraft. The investigation also examined the physical damage to both aircraft. The Diamond DA 40 suffered a severed tail section, while the Cessna 150M sustained damage to its propeller, nose cone, and the leading edge of the right wing. Additionally, the rear tiedown of G-BPAX was torn away, which the pilot attributed to the aircraft's tail striking the ground during the incident.
Findings
- The engine speed of G-BPAX increased unexpectedly to 2,500 rpm immediately upon start-up.
- The pilot was unable to maintain directional control or stop the aircraft using the brakes.
- The sudden and uncontrolled increase in engine RPM was the primary factor in the collision.
- The braking system on the aircraft was found to be in working order.