What happened
On 12 September 2010, during a fly-in event at Manchester Barton Aerodrome, two aircraft were involved in a ground collision. The first aircraft, a Cessna 1s82S Skylane, registration G-EFAM, was stationary at holding point A2. The pilot of this aircraft was performing pre-flight inspections, specifically checking the engine and electrical systems.
Simultaneously, a Cessna C-165 Airmaster, registration G-BTDE, was taxiing through the airfield. Due to the high volume of visiting aircraft at the event, the pilot of the G-BTDE was required to taxi past designated relief parking areas to reach a new holding position. During this movement, the right wing of the G-BTDE made contact with the right wing of the stationary G-EFAM, sliding underneath it.
There were no injuries to the pilots involved in either aircraft. The G-BTDE sustained no damage, while the G-EFAM suffered minor damage to the leading edge near the wing tip.
The investigation
The investigation was based on aircraft accident report forms provided by both pilots. The inquiry examined the movements of both aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the taxiing procedures at the aerodrome during the fly-in. The investigation established that the pilot of the G-EFAM was distracted by the GPS while conducting checks, which led to a failure to adequately clear the right-hand side of the aircraft. Additionally, the investigation noted the necessity for the G-BTDE to transit through active areas to reach its holding point.