What happened
On June 7, 2003, at 13:30, a Cessna 152, registration F-GBQO, was performing circuit training at Le Plessis-Belleville aerodrome. Following the completion of the first landing, the student pilot taxied along a paved taxiway toward the threshold of runway 25. During this taxi phase, an agricultural vehicle was operating along the edge of the same taxiway, moving in the same direction as the aircraft to collect hay.
As the aircraft followed the taxiway centerline, the left wing struck the tractor. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot to the left, leading the propeller to strike the vehicle. The force of the collision caused the left wing to lift, subsequently resulting in the right wing making contact with the ground. There were no injuries reported in the incident.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the movement of both the aircraft and the agricultural vehicle on the maneuvering area. The student pilot stated that they believed following the taxiway centerline provided sufficient clearance from obstacles on the taxiway edge. The driver of the tractor reported that while they were aware of an aircraft positioned ahead of them on the taxiway, they had failed to notice the F-GBQO approaching from behind.
Investigators also noted that while users of the aerodrome had been verbally notified of the mowing activities, no formal NOTAM had been issued to alert pilots to the presence of the machinery.
Findings
- The collision was caused by insufficient coordination between the aircraft and the ground vehicle and an erroneous estimation of separation distances.
- The tractor driver did not observe the approaching aircraft.
- The student pilot's positioning on the taxiway centerline did not provide adequate clearance from the agricultural equipment.