What happened
On the evening of April 17, 2011, a Robin DR 400-140B, registered F-GLKI, was taxiing toward its hangar at the Compiègne Margny aerodrome following a local flight. As the pilot moved along the paved parking area, there was no designated taxiway or specific path to follow. The area lacked clear ground markings to delineate taxi routes or the boundaries of the refueling station.
During the maneuver, the pilot's attention was diverted by another aircraft parked to the left, which had just started its engine. While focused on this nearby aircraft, the pilot failed to notice that the F-GLKI was drifting to the right. The right wingtip struck the booth housing the refueling station's card reader. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot sharply to the right, leading the propeller to strike the edge of the platform before the aircraft came to a stop. The collision resulted in damage to the right wing and a destroyed propeller.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the taxi environment and the pilot's actions during the sequence of events. Investigators examined the layout of the parking area, noting that the existing ground markings—circles intended for helicopter parking—were outdated and did not provide guidance for fixed-wing aircraft. The investigation also assessed the lack of defined taxiway markings and the proximity of parked aircraft to the refueling infrastructure.