Accident Details
On 22 September 2007 at 1515 UTC, a DHC-1 Chipmunk 22A, registration G-AORW, collided with a parked Piper PA-28R-180 Arrow, registration G-AVWV, on Apron P1 at Prestwick Airport. The Chipmunk, operating on a private flight, had just returned from a local flight and was taxiing at slow speed towards the apron when its left wing struck the right wing of the parked Arrow. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured and brought the aircraft to a halt on the taxiway before shutting it down.
Sequence of Events
While returning to the apron along a narrow taxiway, the pilot observed the PA-28 parked at the edge of the apron. As the Chipmunk approached, glare from the sun, which was low on the horizon and directly in front of the aircraft, severely restricted the pilot's forward visibility. The pilot slowed the aircraft to walking pace but misjudged the clearance between the two aircraft while turning to the right, resulting in the left wing of the Chipmunk striking the right wing of the Arrow.
Aircraft Information
The DHC-1 Chipmunk 22A (G-AORW) was manufactured in 1950 and powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major 10 MK.2 piston engine. The parked Piper PA-28R-180 Arrow (G-AVWV) was stationary at the time of the accident.
Pilot Information
The commander, aged 37, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 394 hours, of which 59 hours were on the Chipmunk type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 1.5 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Damage
The Chipmunk sustained damage to its left wing, wing root fairings, and attachments. The Arrow sustained damage to its right wing.
Attributed Cause
The pilot attributed the accident to his misjudgment of the clearance between the two aircraft, brought about by glare from the low sun directly in front of him, which restricted his forward visibility.