What happened
On Thursday, March 20, 1997, at 16:45, a Piper PA 44-180 Seminole, registered F-GBOK, was involved in a ground collision at Chartres aerodrome. Following a landing, the pilot taxied the aircraft toward the parking area, initially stopping near the fuel pumps. The pilot then performed a secondary maneuver to allow another aircraft to pass. During a right-hand turn, the left propeller of the Piper PA 44-180 Seminole struck the right wingtip of a parked Cessna 152, causing damage to the stationary aircraft's wing tip.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the taxiing sequence and the pilot's spatial awareness during the maneuver. Investigators examined the movements of both aircraft and the positioning of the F-GBOK relative to the parked Cessna 152. The inquiry established that the collision occurred while the pilot was maneuvering to yield right-of-way to another aircraft.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the pilot's misperception of the aircraft's trajectory while taxiing.
- The collision occurred during a turn intended to facilitate the movement of another aircraft through the apron area.