What happened
On April 9, 2015, at 13:13 UTC, a Cessna 172S, registration PT-CVR, was performing a flight training mission at the Anápolis Municipal Airport (SWNS) in Anápolis, Goiás. The aircraft, operated by Escola de Aviação Asas de Socorro, was taxiing for takeoff with an instructor and a student pilot on board.
As the aircraft proceeded along the taxiway, the left wingtip collided with a fuel truck that was parked on the side of the taxiway. The impact caused light damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the leading edge, the wingtip, the wing root, and the flap. Following the collision, the crew brought the aircraft to a stop. Notably, both the aircraft and the fuel truck were moved from their original positions without authorization before the initial response team arrived at the scene.
The investigation
The investigation conducted by SERIPA VI established that during the taxi phase, the instructor's attention was diverted toward the aircraft's engine nacelle, which prevented the observation of the nearby fuel truck. Although the instructor attempted to mitigate the impact by cutting the engine and applying the brakes, the collision could not be avoided.
Regarding the student pilot, the investigation found that the student did not perceive the imminent collision because they believed the aircraft was taxiing in the center of the path. This error in judgment was attributed to the lack of a visible taxiway centerline marking. The investigation also confirmed that the pilots held valid medical certificates and the instructor held a valid single-engine land rating. The aircraft was also found to be in a condition for flight, with valid airworthiness certification and up-to-date maintenance records.
Findings
- The primary contributing factors were inadequate airport infrastructure, visual illusions, and the limited experience of the student pilot.
- The absence of proper taxiway markings (centerline) hindered the crew's ability to maintain correct positioning.
- The fuel truck was parked in close proximity to the taxiway path.
- The unauthorized movement of the aircraft and the vehicle prior to the arrival of investigators hindered the initial scene assessment.