What happened
On September 5, 2017, at approximately 10:00 AM local time, a Cessna A-188B AGtruck, registration HI-916, was performing a ground maneuver at Ranchito Aerodrome in La Vega, Dominican Republic. The aircraft, operated by FUMCA, S.R.L. for agricultural spraying operations, was taxiing to align with the runway centerline.
During the maneuver, the pilot executed a 180-degree turn and applied power for an immediate takeoff. During this acceleration, the aircraft drifted slightly to the right, causing the right wingtip to strike the propeller spinner of a parked Cessuna A-188B (registration N-731TS) belonging to Superior Aviation S.R.L. The impact caused the moving aircraft to veer further right, exiting the paved surface and traveling approximately 10 feet onto irregular terrain. The pilot was uninjured, and while both aircraft sustained damage, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's training and flight history, and the physical layout of the airfield. Investigators analyzed the structural damage to the right wing of HI-916 and the deformed spinner on N-731TS. The investigation also included a review of the airfield's parking configuration and the spatial relationship between the runway centerline and the aircraft parking area.
Findings
- The pilot's maneuver, involving a 180-degree turn followed by immediate power application, caused the aircraft to drift into the path of the parked plane.
- The physical layout of the airfield was a contributing factor, as the distance between the runway centerline and the parking area is extremely limited for aircraft with a 12.7-meter wingspan.
- The pilot's flight experience and medical certification were found to be in compliance with regulations.
- The aircraft's maintenance status was current, with the last 100-hour inspection completed shortly before the event.