What happened
On 22 September 2007, a DHC-1 Chipmunk 22A, registration G-AORW, was involved in a ground collision at Prestwick Airport. The aircraft had recently completed a local flight and was taxiing at a low speed along a narrow taxiway toward Apron P1.
As the pilot maneuvered the aircraft toward the apron, the sun was positioned low on the horizon directly in front of the cockpit. This positioning created significant glare, which severely limited the pilot's ability to see ahead. While attempting to turn right toward the parking area, the pilot misjudged the distance between the aircraft and a parked PA-28R-180 Arrow, registration G-AVWV. This resulted in the left wing and wing root fairings of the DHC-1 Chipmunk 22A striking the right wing of the stationary PA-28R-180 Arrow.
Following the impact, the pilot brought the aircraft to a stop on the taxiway and shut down the engine. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances of the taxiing maneuver and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident. The assessment focused on the visibility conditions at the airfield and the pilot's ability to maintain adequate clearance during the turn.