Incident Overview
On 23 May 2001 at 1400 hrs UTC, a Cessna 421C registered G-BHKJ was involved in a ground incident at RAF Lyneham. The aircraft had arrived earlier that morning and was scheduled to depart later that afternoon. The incident resulted in damage to one propeller blade and a CO2 extinguisher.
Sequence of Events
At 1200 hrs, a starter crew from the RAF Visiting Aircraft Section (VAS) approached the pilot, who was near the aircraft, to inquire about the expected engine start time. The pilot was unsure as his passengers had not yet arrived but estimated a start time of 1230 hrs. The starter crew left a CO2 fire extinguisher in front of the nose wheel in preparation and returned to their accommodation to await the pilot's call.
At 1228 hrs, the pilot transmitted on Lyneham ground frequency that he estimated start in 5 minutes, but did not request that this information be passed to VAS or Station Operations. At 1250 hrs, a request for start was made and approved, and both engines were started without the presence of a starter crew.
After receiving taxi clearance, the pilot moved the aircraft forward and to the left. After traveling approximately 2 metres, he heard a loud bang and saw debris emanating from the starboard side. Two RAF tradesmen working about 100 metres away heard a bang and saw a metallic object land near them; they ran toward the aircraft signaling for it to stop. Emergency services were not required as there were no injuries and no fluid leaks.
Damage and Response
Examination revealed that one propeller blade on the right engine was damaged and loose in the hub assembly. The CO2 extinguisher had a slice through its applicator assembly. Parts of the broken extinguisher were found near other parked aircraft.
Investigation Findings
The RAF conducted a Flight Safety Investigation. Recommendations included that RAF Lyneham VAS provide guidance to visiting aircrew on contacting Station Operations and VAS, that engines should not be started without a VAS member present, and that requests to ATC should contain exact requirements. Additionally, ground servicing equipment should not be left outside the painted boxes next to parking bays.