Accident Details
On 27 September 2014 at 12:00 local time, a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 registered as F-GVTF was taxiing at Le Luc Le Cannet aerodrome (Var, France) following the cancellation of its planned parachute drop flight. The aircraft, operated by an unnamed company, was carrying the pilot and ten parachutists. During taxi on taxiway K to return to the Centre Ecole de Parachutisme de la Côte d'Azur (CEPCA), the left wing struck a gate, resulting in substantial damage to the wingtip and flap.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported being ready for takeoff on runway 09 when the controller cancelled the flight due to other aircraft entering the traffic pattern. The pilot turned back and proceeded along taxiway K. While taxiing, he informed the parachutists of the reason for the cancellation, claiming he did not turn around to address them and maintained a position in the center of the taxiway. Upon reaching the gate, he felt a sudden leftward movement and realized the aircraft had struck the edge of the gate. He was aware that the taxiway was not aligned with the gate opening.
Taxiway and Gate Configuration
The aerodrome is operated by the French Ministry of Defence and its perimeter is protected by fencing. Taxiway K is a gravel surface marked laterally by cones but lacks a centerline. At the gate, the taxiway curves and is not centered on the gate opening. To pass through safely, an aircraft must be offset from the centerline.
Probable Cause
The accident was likely due to pilot inattention at the moment of passing through the gate. Contributing factors were the misalignment of taxiway K with the gate opening and the absence of ground markings to guide pilots.