Christen A1 wing strike during taxiing at Calcinate del Pesce

Casualties unknown • Aeroporto di Calcinate del Pesce, IT

A Christen A1 aircraft sustained damage to its wing and propeller after the pilot attempted an evasive maneuver to avoid animals on the runway.

What happened

On January 14, 2007, at approximately 14:20 UTC, a Christen A1 “Husky”, registration I-HHHH, was involved in a ground incident at the “Paolo Contri” Aerodrome in Calcinate del Pesce. Following a successful landing, the pilot was taxiing the aircraft toward the parking area when sheep were spotted on the runway. In an attempt to avoid a collision with the animals, the pilot executed a sudden maneuver that caused the left wingtip to strike the ground. This impact led to a subsequent strike of the propeller against the earth, resulting in a sudden engine stoppage. There were no injuries to the pilot or any third parties.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's configuration, the environmental conditions, and the pilot's actions. The investigation noted that the Christen A1 utilizes a taildragger (bicycle) landing gear configuration. This specific design inherently offers reduced forward visibility and less maneuverability during ground operations compared to tricycle gear aircraft. Meteorological conditions at the time of the event were favorable, with visibility exceeding 10 km and no significant wind or precipitation. The investigation also confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate was valid and no mechanical failures were identified as causes for the incident.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the wing strike was suboptimal directional control by the pilot during the evasive maneuver intended to avoid animals.
  • The presence of livestock on the active runway was a significant contributing factor.
  • The lack of adequate perimeter fencing at the aerodrome allowed animals to enter the airfield, posing a risk to flight operations.
  • The reduced forward visibility inherent to the aircraft's taildragger configuration made it difficult to detect the animals in a timely manner.

Safety action

  • The ANSV issued a recommendation to the national civil aviation authority to increase awareness among private aerodrome managers regarding the necessity of maintaining adequate perimeter fencing to prevent unauthorized access by animals and other hazards.

Probable cause

The incident was caused by the pilot's loss of directional control while attempting to avoid animals on the runway, compounded by the reduced visibility of the taildragger configuration and the lack of airfield perimeter fencing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-01-14 Christen A1, accident near Aeroporto di Calcinate del Pesce, IT?

A Christen A1 aircraft sustained damage to its wing and propeller after the pilot attempted an evasive maneuver to avoid animals on the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-01-14 involved a Christen A1,, registration I-HHHH, at Aeroporto di Calcinate del Pesce, IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The incident was caused by the pilot's loss of directional control while attempting to avoid animals on the runway, compounded by the reduced visibility of the taildragger configuration and the lack of airfield perimeter fencing.

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