What happened
On 23 January 2007, a Gulfstream Commander 840 (registration N51WF) landed on Runway 06 at Fairoaks Airport in favorable weather conditions. After vacating the runway, the pilot taxied along Taxiway C toward the apron. During the taxi, the pilot observed a large crane to the left and several ground obstruction cones to the right.
Noticing an individual in a yellow jacket ahead, the pilot assumed this person was a marshaller guiding aircraft around the construction area. While proceeding, the aircraft's right propeller struck a warning cone and a concrete block. The pilot heard a noise, suspected an engine strike, and immediately shut down both engines. Upon inspection, the right engine was found to have sustained a shock-load and the propeller blades were damaged. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation examined the taxi route and the presence of work in progress (WIP) on the apron. The area contained a crane and rubble, which were marked with frangible cones. The investigation also reviewed the communications between the pilot and the Flight Information Service Officer (FISO).
While the FISO was aware of the crane's location, they were not aware of the specific obstructions crossing Taxiway C. The FISO noted that the aircraft had taxied quickly and had not made any radio calls to announce vacating the runway. The investigation also noted that the pilot had previously operated at Fairoaks but typically used Runway 24 rather than Runway 06.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to continue taxiing was based on the mistaken assumption that the person in the yellow jacket was a marshaller providing guidance through the hazard zone.
- The right propeller struck a concrete block and a warning cone.
- Although the construction area was marked with cones, the presence of the crane and rubble significantly narrowed the available taxiway width.
- The pilot remained responsible for maintaining adequate clearance from all obstructions.