What happened
On Sunday, March 18, 2001, at 14:30, a Robin DR 400-120, registered F-GLDU, was involved in a ground collision at the Toulouse Lasbordes aerodrome. The aircraft, operated by a local flying club, was performing engine tests at parking stand 34 when the pilot noticed an unexpectedly low oil pressure. Concerned by this reading, the pilot decided to return to the aero club's parking area to have the engine inspected.
During the taxi maneuver, the aircraft struck a fuel pump located opposite one of the club's parking stands. The collision resulted in damage to the left wing tip. There were no injuries reported among the two occupants on board.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's path during taxiing and the visibility of ground markings. The aero club utilizes several parking areas, with the fuel pump situated near the primary parking zone. At the time of the incident, this primary area was occupied by several other aircraft.
To avoid the congested area, the pilot attempted to taxi toward a secondary parking stand. During this maneuver, the pilot's attention was diverted by other aircraft performing engine starts. While the pilot followed the taxiway markings, the investigation found that the ground markings at the location of the fuel pump were inadequate. Specifically, the markings on the taxiway become discontinuous and are offset by several meters to allow aircraft to access the fueling station. Due to the positioning of the engine cowling, the pilot's forward field of vision was restricted, preventing them from noticing the break in the markings. Consequently, the pilot used the markings located beyond the fuel pump as a visual guide, leading the aircraft into the pump's location.
Findings
- The pilot's attention was focused on other aircraft performing engine starts.
- The inadequate ground markings at the fueling area provided insufficient clearance and lacked continuity, making the obstacle difficult to detect while following the taxiway line.