Ground Collision Involving Beech F33A at Trento Mattarello Airport

Casualties unknown • Aeroporto Trento Mattarello, IT

A Beech F33A aircraft collided with a parked helicopter during taxiing operations at Trento Mattarello Airport, resulting in significant damage to both aircraft.

What happened

On September 16, 2002, at approximately 15:20 UTC, a Beech F33A, registration D-EVBA, was involved in a ground collision at Trento Mattarello Airport. The aircraft, operated by Hanseatischer Flieger Club Berlin, was being operated by a pilot and one passenger for a general aviation flight.

After landing, the pilot taxied across the apron to a fuel station to refuel the aircraft. Once the refueling process was complete, the pilot began taxiing back toward the taxiway in the opposite direction. During this maneuver, the left wingtip of the Beech F33A struck the front right section of a parked helicopter located near the Trento Fire Brigade helicopter unit hangar. The collision resulted in no injuries to the occupants, but both aircraft sustained significant damage. The left wing extremity of the Beech aircraft and the forward cabin area of the helicopter were the primary points of impact.

The investigation

The investigation examined the pilot's actions and the airport's ground markings. The pilot stated that during the return taxi, he followed a vehicle, believing it to be a "follow-me" car, and maintained his position along a yellow line on the apron. However, investigators found that the airport did not operate a follow-me service. Instead, the pilot was following the service vehicle that had just completed the refueling operation and was returning to the station.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the yellow line the pilot followed was intended to demarcate the parking area from the taxi area, rather than serving as a taxiway centerline. The investigation also noted that the pilot's actions suggested a lack of familiarity with the specific layout and markings of the Trento Mattarello airport.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's incorrect assessment of the distance between the moving aircraft and the stationary helicopter.
  • The pilot mistakenly believed he was following a dedicated follow-me vehicle.
  • The presence of a yellow line on the apron caused confusion, as the pilot mistook it for official taxiway markings.
  • A lack of familiarity with the airport's ground procedures and markings contributed to the error.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation from a parked helicopter, compounded by the pilot's mistaken belief that he was following a follow-me vehicle and his misinterpretation of a ground marking as a taxiway centerline.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2002-09-16 Beech F 33 A, accident near Aeroporto Trento Mattarello, IT?

A Beech F33A aircraft collided with a parked helicopter during taxiing operations at Trento Mattarello Airport, resulting in significant damage to both aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-09-16 involved a Beech F 33 A,, registration D-EVBA, at Aeroporto Trento Mattarello, IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by the pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation from a parked helicopter, compounded by the pilot's mistaken belief that he was following a follow-me vehicle and his misinterpretation of a ground marking as a taxiway centerline.

Loading the flight search…