What happened
On April 27, 2015, at Seville Airport, a collision occurred between two light aircraft during taxi operations at holding point HP4 for runway 27. The first aircraft, a Piper PA-2/8R-180 (registration EC-HNN) operated by Aerotec Escuela de Pilotos, was positioned at the holding point. The second aircraft, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration EC-JCI) belonging to Aeroclub de Sevilla, was positioned behind it.
After the pilot of EC-JCI notified the tower that they were ready for departure, the air traffic controller authorized the aircraft to enter and maintain position on runway 27. While maneuvering to overtake the preceding aircraft, the left wingtip of EC-JCI struck the right wingtip of EC-HNN. The crew of EC-HNN immediately notified the tower that an impact had occurred. While the crew of EC-HNN returned to the apron to assess damage, the pilot of EC-JCI continued with the planned flight, only returning to the airport 45 minutes later after being prompted by the controller.
The investigation
The investigation examined the movements of both aircraft, the communications between the pilots and the tower, and the physical damage to the airframes. The investigation reviewed the dimensions of taxiway HP4, noting that the area is wide enough to accommodate two light aircraft side-by-side. The investigation also analyzed the pilot's radio communications, noting instances of interference and failure to properly read back instructions. The investigation established that the pilot of EC-JCI failed to notice the impact at the time of the occurrence and did not return to the apron immediately following the notification of the collision.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's error in judging the lateral distance between the two aircraft while attempting to overtake EC-HNN.
- A contributing factor was the pilot's haste to begin the flight.
- The aircraft EC-HNN sustained damage to the right wingtip and the wing attachment point.
- The aircraft EC-JCI sustained damage to the underside of the left wing.
- There were no injuries to any personnel involved in either aircraft.