What happened
On July 18, 2009, a Piper PA-32, registration CS-ALF, operated by Aero Clube de Aveiro, arrived at Faro Airport (LPFR) following a navigation training flight from Aveiro. After landing on runway 28, the aircraft taxied via taxiways "P" and "B" toward the general aviation parking area.
During the parking maneuver, a ground marshal from a handling company, Portway, was guiding the aircraft. As the pilot executed a right-hand turn, the left wingtip of the CS-ALF struck the trailing edge of the right wing of a parked Cirrus SR22, registration N363CD. The collision resulted in no injuries and no damage to the Piper, but caused minor damage to the Cirrus's flap and aileron, necessitating the replacement of the aileron.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation focused on the roles of the ground personnel and the pilot during the taxiing sequence. The investigation established that the parking area was relatively cramped due to the need to accommodate incoming aircraft.
Investigators found that the marshalling duties were being performed by a staff member from a handling company rather than specialized Airport Operations Services (SOA) personnel. This individual lacked specific training for aircraft maneuvering and failed to account for the turning radius required for the Piper. Furthermore, the investigation examined the pilot's decision to continue following the marshal's signals despite the apparent lack of clearance between the two aircraft.
Findings
- The ground marshal miscalculated the required turning radius and failed to signal the pilot to stop the rotation, leading the aircraft into the path of the parked Cirrus.
- The handling personnel lacked the specialized training and familiarity with aircraft maneuvering capabilities typically provided by airport operations staff.
- The pilot failed to maintain situational awareness and did not realize the proximity of the other aircraft's wing, which was at a similar height to the Piper's wing.
- The pilot did not take corrective action, such as stopping the aircraft, despite being the ultimate authority responsible for the safe operation of the aircraft.