What happened
On Thursday, August 27, 1998, at 09:15, a Beechcraft BE 33 Bonanza, registered F-GJFN, was involved in a ground incident at Le Bourget Airport. The aircraft, operated for private use, was taxiing from parking position K1 toward the threshold of runway 09. The flight crew had been cleared to use taxiway 3 and to cross runway 03/21.
While navigating taxiway 3D, the pilot deviated from the intended route. Instead of following taxiway 3L, the aircraft turned left and entered a roadway reserved for vehicle traffic. During this maneuver, the left wingtip struck a signpost, resulting in damage to the left wing salmon.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the path taken by the aircraft and the infrastructure at the point of impact. Investigators noted that there were no specific markings at the junction where the vehicle roadway meets the taxiway. Additionally, a low-level sign (type P), similar to those used for aircraft movement, had been installed on the right side of this vehicle road.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a navigation error during taxiing.
- The lack of pavement markings at the intersection of the taxiway and the vehicle road contributed to the deviation.
- The presence of aeronautical-style signage on the vehicle road may have influenced the pilot's movement.