What happened
On Friday, February 19, 1998, at 15:00, a ground collision occurred at the Mâcon aerodrome involving two aircraft operated by the same club. The first aircraft, a Jodel D 112 with registration F-PFCZ, was a locally based amateur-built aircraft. The second aircraft, a Robin DR 400-120 with registration F-GDYX, was visiting the aerodrome.
The incident began when a student pilot was pushing the F-GDYX out of a hangar. Simultaneously, the pilot of the F-PFCZ started the engine and immediately began taxiing toward a hangar. In an attempt to avoid a collision with the moving Robin, the pilot of the Jodel steered to the left. However, the maneuver was insufficient to prevent contact; the left wing leading edge of the F-PFCZ struck the right aileron of the F-GDYX. This impact caused the F-PFCZ to pivot sharply to the left, resulting in the propeller striking the right wing leading edge of the F-GDYX.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of movements on the apron and the pre-flight procedures of the Jodel aircraft. Investigators examined the actions of both crews and the mechanical state of the aircraft involved. It was established that the pilot of the F-PFCZ had failed to engage the parking brake during the engine start sequence.
Findings
- The collision resulted from incomplete pre-start checks by the pilot of the F-PFCZ, specifically the failure to secure the aircraft with the parking brake.
- The movement of the F-PFCZ toward the hangar, combined with the simultaneous movement of the F-GDYX being pushed from the hangar, created a high-risk environment on the apron.
- Damage to the F-PFCZ included a broken propeller and slight damage to the left wing leading edge.
- Damage to the F-GDYX included damage to the right aileron, the right wing leading edge, and the spar.