What happened
On June 13, 2010, at 14:42 UTC, a Socata TB-200, registration CS-DEC, was being operated by a student pilot during a flight training mission. While taxiing to a parking position on the apron at Portimão Aerodrome, the aircraft's right wingtip struck the engine cowling of a parked FLYITALIA MD-3 RIDER, registration CS-UQN.
The impact caused the CS-UQN to rotate 90 degrees to the right, resulting in visible damage to its propeller and engine cowlings. The CS-DEC sustained no significant damage. There were no injuries reported during the incident.
The investigation
The GPIAAF investigation examined the taxiing maneuvers and the layout of the Portimão Aerodrome apron. The investigation noted that the apron is relatively small, measuring 154 by 45 meters, and at the time of the incident, it contained a high density of parked aircraft.
Investigators analyzed the steering capabilities of the Socata TB-200, noting that its minimum turning radius is approximately 18.3 meters and its wingspan is 9.89 meters. The investigation also reviewed ICAO Annex XIV and Annex II standards, which recommend a minimum separation of 3 meters between aircraft and objects at certain aerodrome types, and stipulate that aircraft should not operate so close to others as to create a collision risk.
Findings
- The student pilot approached the parking stand at an angle, causing the right wing of the CS-DEC to pass underneath the left wing of the parked CS-UQN.
- The pilot failed to maintain the required minimum separation distance from the stationary aircraft.
- The lack of experience of the student pilot, combined with the cramped parking conditions and the high number of aircraft on the apron, increased the risk of collision.
- The pilot's position in the left-hand seat may have hindered the perception of the distance to the ultralight aircraft.
- The collision occurred because the pilot did not adhere to ICAO recommendations regarding safe separation distances during ground operations.
Safety action
While the investigation did not result in formal safety recommendations, a Preventive Action Proposal (PAP Nº 06) was directed to the Academia Aeronáutica de Évora. The proposal suggests that, to minimize collision risks on small aprons, single-pilot maneuvers should, whenever possible, be planned so that obstacles and other aircraft remain on the pilot's side to ensure better visibility.