What happened
On 6 June 2002, a Europa aircraft, registration G-OJHL, was involved in a ground incident at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, during a training flight. The pilot was taxiing toward Runway 03, having decided to switch from the active Runway 13 to minimize the crosswind component. While taxiing along taxiway 'S', the aircraft crossed Runway 'F', where a Boeing 747 was parked and performing ground power checks.
As the light aircraft passed the larger jet, the tailplane and the left wing were lifted upward. This movement caused the propeller blade tips to strike the ground, resulting in damage to the tips. There were no injuries to the pilot during the event.
The investigation
The investigation examined the movements of both aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time. The pilot noted that the surface wind was 050°/12 kts. The investigation established that the Boeing 747 was positioned on the disused Runway 'F' and was conducting ground power checks. While the 747 crew had requested a high-power engine run, they were denied by Air Traffic Control (ATC) because a light aircraft was taxiing nearby. The crew of the 747 reported that their engines were at idle power during the incident.
Findings
- The pilot attributed the sudden aerodynamic upset to jet efflux from the Boeing 747.
- The pilot acknowledged that, in hindsight, an alternative taxi route via taxiway 'R' should have been used to avoid the area near the larger aircraft.
- ATC noted that while they can provide information regarding aircraft performing ground runs, the responsibility for maintaining safe separation remains with the commander.