What happened
On April 8, 2007, at approximately 15:50 UTC, a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4, registration HB-FLI, was involved in a ground collision at Casale Monferrato airport. The aircraft, operated by Flying Devils S.A., had just completed a series of parachute jumps and was taxiing from the runway toward the parking apron.
As the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft into a parking position, the right elevator of the Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 struck the right wing of a parked Piper PA-28, registration I-CAVM. The collision occurred while the pilot was executing a 180-degree turn using a tight pivot point. During this maneuver, the wing of the Pilatus passed above the wing of the stationary Piper, but the tail section of the Pilatus swept into the Piper's right wing.
There were no injuries to the pilot of the Pilatus. The Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 sustained damage to the right elevator, which required replacement, while the Piper PA-28 suffered damage to the leading edge of its right wing.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft dimensions, the flight path, and the environmental conditions at the time of the event. The investigation established that the Piper PA-28 was parked in alignment with the taxiway, facing the path of the incoming aircraft.
Investigators analyzed the mechanics of the turn, noting that the Pilatus can perform a very narrow U-turn by pivoting on its left wheel. This maneuver causes the tail to describe a smaller radius than the outer wing, creating a lateral movement of the empennage that must be kept clear of obstacles. The investigation also considered the pilot's visibility, noting that the sun was low in the sky and positioned directly in front of the pilot's path of travel.