What happened
On 11 August 2003, two Extra 300 aircraft, registered JY-RNG and JY-RNL, were operating as part of a four-ship display team. The group had departed from Reims Airport in France and arrived at Shoreham Airfield in Sussex under favorable weather conditions, characterized by good visibility and light winds. The aircraft were positioned in the circuit downwind for Runway 21.
The sequence of events began when the second aircraft in the formation landed and slowed to taxi speed. The pilot of this aircraft observed the lead aircraft exiting the runway at the far end and elected to follow that path, intending to vacate at the same exit. While taxiing toward the end of the runway, the pilot felt a sudden impact and a forward surge, subsequently identifying that the aircraft following behind had struck them.
Simultaneously, the third aircraft in the formation, JY-RNL, landed behind the second aircraft. The pilot of JY-RNL believed the preceding aircraft was exiting the runway at the first available taxiway exit. Due to restricted visibility from the cockpit, the pilot did not realize the second aircraft was still occupying the runway centerline. As the aircraft continued its taxi, its propeller made contact with the rudder and horizontal stabilizer of JY-RNG. Following the contact, the engine was shut down, and both crews safely exited the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation was based on aircraft accident report forms provided by the pilots. Investigators examined the runway layout at Shoreham, noting the paved surface and the specific configuration of the taxiway exits. The study focused on the movement of the aircraft within the circuit and the visibility constraints experienced by the pilots during the taxi phase.
Findings
- The collision occurred because the pilot of the third aircraft did not realize the second aircraft was still on the runway.
- Limited field of view from the cockpit of the third aircraft prevented the pilot from detecting the position of the preceding aircraft.
- A misunderstanding regarding the intended exit path of the second aircraft contributed to the error.
- The collision resulted in damage to the propeller and engine of JY-RNG, as well as damage to the tail plane of the same aircraft.