Incident
On 6 June 2002 at 1501 hours UTC, a Europa aircraft registered G-OJHL was taxiing at Prestwick Airport, Scotland, when it was upset by jet efflux from a Boeing 747. The upset caused the tailplane and left wing to lift, resulting in the propeller blade tips striking the ground.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a Europa, fitted with one Rotax 912-UL piston engine, and was manufactured in 1999. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 67 years old, had accumulated 255 flying hours (85 on type). In the last 90 days, he had flown 5 hours; in the last 28 days, 4 hours. The flight was a training flight with one crew member and no passengers.
Circumstances
The pilot intended to practice circuit flying on Runway 13, the active runway. While taxiing along taxiway 'T' toward Runway 13, the surface wind was reported as 050°/12 kts, prompting the pilot to choose Runway 03 to reduce the crosswind component. He was cleared to taxi along the active runway and turn right along taxiway 'S' to the holding point for Runway 03. Meanwhile, a Boeing 747 parked on disused Runway 'F' was conducting ground power checks. The 747 crew had requested a high power engine run but were refused because ATC informed them a light aircraft was taxiing behind. As the Europa crossed Runway 'F', its tailplane and left wing lifted, causing the propeller tips to contact the ground.
Observations
The pilot believed the jet efflux from the Boeing 747, which was parked over 500 metres from the centreline of Runway 13, caused the upset. He noted he should have crossed Runway 13 and taxied along taxiway 'R' instead. The 747 crew reported that their engines were at idle power during the incident. ATC commented that they can advise on the location of aircraft performing ground runs, but it is the responsibility of the individual commander to ensure safe separation.