Incident Details
On 12 January 2001 at 1735 UTC, a Cessna 182P (registration G-BTHA) was involved in a taxi incident at Liverpool Airport. The aircraft had just completed night circuits using Runway 09. After vacating the runway via the rapid exit turnoff, the pilot taxied toward the General Aviation apron. Initially missing the turning to the apron, the pilot turned around on the parallel taxiway and proceeded back toward the apron.
Sequence of Events
While taxiing on the link connecting the taxiway to the apron, the pilot became dazzled by overhead ramp lighting, making it difficult to see the path ahead. The aircraft subsequently left the paved surface, and the nosewheel dropped into a hole. This caused the propeller to strike the ground. The pilot immediately shut down the engine to prevent further damage.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 1979 Cessna 182P, powered by a single Continental O-470-R25 piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 66 years old. His total flying experience was 266 hours, with 105 hours on type. In the last 90 days he had flown 11 hours, and in the last 28 days, 6 hours. There was one passenger on board; no injuries were reported.
Damage
The propeller sustained damage, and the engine may have experienced a shock load. The nature of damage was limited to the propeller and potential engine stress.