Casualties unknown

2011-04-17: Robin DR 400-140B — Conséquences et dommages, FR

Conséquences et dommages, FR

On April 17, 2011, a Robin DR 400-140B was involved in an aviation accident near Conséquences et dommages, FR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of vigilance by the pilot in monitoring the taxi path following a shift of attention to another aircraft whose engine had just started; the lack of appropriate markings on the parking and fueling areas contributed. This summary draws on records from the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA).

Sourcesthe French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA)Primary reportUpdated 1785058346Data APIEditorial standards

On 17 April 2011, a Robin DR 400-140B (F-GLKI) struck a fueling station shelter while taxiing at Compiègne Margny aerodrome. The pilot was distracted by another aircraft, causing a deviation in path. Lack of markings contributed.

Accident Details

On Sunday 17 April 2011 at 17:45 local time, a Robin DR 400-140B registered F-GLKI, operated by a flying club, was returning from a local flight and taxiing on the paved parking area at Compiègne Margny aerodrome (60) to reach the hangar. There were no defined taxiways or markings for the taxi and fueling areas on the pavement. The pavement featured old circular markings originally used for helicopter parking. On the day of the accident, two aircraft were parked on the spots closest to the fueling station, approximately twenty meters away.

The pilot chose a route between these parked aircraft and the fueling station. While taxiing, the pilot's attention was drawn to one of the parked aircraft on his left, whose engine had just started. He continued taxiing but did not notice that his aircraft's trajectory deviated to the right. The right wingtip struck the shelter housing the card reader of the fueling station. The aircraft then pivoted to the right, and the propeller hit the edge of the platform, causing the aircraft to come to a stop.

The right wing was damaged and the propeller was destroyed.

Investigation Findings

The accident was attributed to a loss of vigilance by the pilot in monitoring the taxi path following a shift of attention to another aircraft whose engine had just started. The investigation also noted that the absence of appropriate markings on the parking and fueling areas contributed to the accident.

Probable cause

Loss of vigilance by the pilot in monitoring the taxi path following a shift of attention to another aircraft whose engine had just started; the lack of appropriate markings on the parking and fueling areas contributed.