What happened
On the night of Wednesday, October 27, 1999, at approximately 22:25, a SOCATA TB 9, registered F-GKUH, was involved in a ground collision at Meaux aerodrome. Following the completion of a night flight, the pilot taxied the aircraft from its parking position on the east side of the aerodrome toward a hangar located in the western zone.
During the taxi maneuver, the aircraft traveled along a path running along the southern boundary of the aerodrome. While navigating past the thresholds of runway 34, the aircraft struck a corner of the fence protecting the aerodrome's maneuvering area. The impact resulted in damage to the aircraft's propeller and leading edge, while approximately twenty meters of the fence were destroyed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances of the ground movement and the infrastructure of the aerodrome. Investigators noted that the pilot was an experienced instructor with 2,900 total flight hours, including 1,600 hours on this specific type. At the time of the incident, weather conditions were excellent, characterized by CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK) and calm winds.
Crucially, the investigation examined the taxi route used by the pilot. It was established that the aircraft had utilized a path that lacked nocturnal lighting. Furthermore, the aerodrome's Visual Aids Chart (VAC) explicitly specifies that the aerodrome is unusable outside of designated runways and taxiways.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was taxiing at night on a path that lacked any night lighting/markings.
- The aircraft struck a recessed corner of the perimeter fence.
- The use of the unlit path was contrary to the aerodrome's operational limitations defined in the VAC.