Incident Overview
On 15 August 2010 at 1440 UTC, a ground collision occurred at Redhill Airfield, Surrey, involving a DH82A Tiger Moth (registration G-AKUE) and a Cessna 152 (registration G-BMTB). Neither aircraft carried passengers, and no injuries were reported among the four crew members (two on each aircraft). The Tiger Moth sustained damage to its propeller, while the Cessna 152 suffered damage to its right aileron.
Aircraft Details
The Tiger Moth, manufactured in 1939, was equipped with one De Havilland Gipsy Major I piston engine. The Cessna 152, built in 1977, was powered by one Lycoming O-235-L2C piston engine. The Tiger Moth was on a private flight; the purpose of the Cessna's flight was not provided. The Tiger Moth pilot held an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence and was 73 years old, with 25,131 total flying hours, including 1,031 on type. Information about the Cessna's pilot was not given.
Sequence of Events
After landing and clearing the runway, the pilot of G-AKUE taxied toward the apron having confirmed no obstructions in the aircraft's path. Approaching the apron, he became aware of another aircraft a short distance ahead. He switched off the engine in an attempt to stop the Tiger Moth, which is not fitted with wheel brakes. However, the aircraft continued rolling forward, and its propeller struck the right aileron of G-BMTB. The occupants of both aircraft were uninjured.
Pilot Comments
The pilot of G-AKUE attributed the accident to a combination of restricted forward visibility from the Tiger Moth on the ground and confirming that his aircraft's path remained clear of obstructions too late to prevent the collision.