Incident Overview
On 3 March 2001 at 1150 UTC, a Cessna 172N (registration G-BNKE) was taxiing at Manchester Airport when it was overturned by jet efflux from a Boeing 777. The Cessna, operated on a private flight with two occupants (both pilots), had been cleared to taxi from the Northern Executive apron to holding point 'D2' via taxiways 'A' and 'J'. The clearance was later changed to holding point 'F2' via 'J7'.
Sequence of Events
As the Cessna approached the junction of taxiways 'J' and 'D', a Boeing 777 that had been stopped at approximately position 'D3' applied power to move forward to its allocated holding point, which had just been vacated by another aircraft. The Boeing 777 was positioned about 90 degrees to taxiway 'J'. The jet blast from its engines caused the Cessna 172 to weathercock to the right and then tip over onto its left wingtip.
Occupant Safety and Aircraft Damage
Both occupants were wearing lap and diagonal upper torso restraints and escaped without injury. The Cessna sustained damage to its wing and propeller. There was no evidence that the crew of the Boeing 777 applied excessive power to move forward.
Distance Assessment
The Airfield Safety Standards Manager assessed that the Cessna 172 was 102.5 metres behind the Boeing 777's engines at the time of the accident.