What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-11-15 involved a CESSNA 340A, registration N340YP, at Cambridge Airport, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's focus on following the marshaller's signals resulted in an oversight of a ground obstruction, leading the aircraft to leave the paved surface and strike a light fixture.

Propeller strike during taxi at Cambridge Airport

A Cessna 340A sustained engine and propeller damage after striking a light fixture while taxiing into a parking area at Cambridge Airport.

What happened

On 15 November 2002, a Cessna 340A, registration N340YP, arrived at Cambridge Airport following a visual flight rules (VFR) flight from Biggin Hill. Upon landing on Runway 23, the pilot requested hard standing parking to avoid potential propeller tip clearance issues associated with taxiing on grass.

Following instructions from Air Traffic Control, the pilot was directed to a paved area near the terminal building. The aircraft was guided past several other parked aircraft, including two Harriers and a large private jet, under the direction of a ground marshaller. As the pilot maneuvered into the curved parking area, the marshaller signaled for a sharp left turn to position the right main landing gear near the edge of the pavement.

While following the marshaller's signals, the pilot heard and felt a sharp splintering noise coming from the right engine. Debris was seen being thrown into the air. The pilot immediately shut down both engines to inspect the aircraft. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the right main landing gear had moved approximately two tyre widths off the paved surface and onto the grass, where the right propeller struck a light mounted on a short metal pipe. The aircraft was brought to a halt when the landing gear made contact with the same pipe.

The investigation

The investigation established that the pilot was focused on interpreting the marshaller's baton signals. The marshaller, positioned at the 11 o'clock position relative to the aircraft, was signaling the pilot to continue forward while simultaneously indicating a left turn with increasing slowness. The investigation noted that the pilot was not signaled to stop at any point during the maneuver.

Findings

The aircraft's right main landing gear left the paved surface and entered the grass area.
The pilot's attention was concentrated on the marshaller's signals rather than the ground environment.
The right propeller struck a light fixture mounted on a metal pipe located on the grass edge.
The marshaller's signals implied that the aircraft had more distance to travel before reaching the edge of the pavement, which led the pilot to believe the wheel was still on the paved surface.