What happened
On Monday, August 5, 2002, at 17:00, a Robin DR 400-180, registration F-GGJF, was completing a local flight at Avignon Caumont aerodrome. After landing on runway 17, the pilot taxied via taxiway "C" toward parking area "F". Finding the first three available parking spots occupied, the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft into the southernmost available space, located just past a fuel pump.
To avoid having to perform a stationary turn, the pilot increased the turning radius after leaving the taxiway centerline. During this maneuver, the left wingtip struck the fuel pump, resulting in damage to approximately 20 centimeters of the leading edge of the left wing. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and three passengers at the time of the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the pilot's maneuvers and the airfield's ground markings. The pilot, who had been conducting training on this specific aircraft type earlier that same day in Aix-en-Provence, noted that he had previously performed similar turns in high-wing aircraft, such as a Cessna 172, without striking the pump because the wing clearance was greater.
Investigators also examined the airfield's taxiway markings. It was noted that while a continuous yellow line allows direct access to parking area "F" from the center and northern sections of the parking area, there is no specific ground marking provided for accessing the parking area from the south.