What happened
On March 15, 2003, at approximately 10:15 local time, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration EC-GLA) was taxiing at Madrid-Cu/atro Vientos airport. The aircraft, carrying an instructor and two students, was preparing for a visual flight instruction mission to Seville. After completing engine start and brake checks, the crew began taxiing toward taxiway exit D.
During the maneuver, the aircraft drifted slightly left of the taxiway centerline. As the crew was focused on steering corrections, a Cessna 152 (registration EC-FPQ), which was also taxiing toward holding point 10, approached the intersection. The pilot of the Cessna 152 observed the Piper PA-23-250 but assumed the aircraft would stop before entering the taxiway. As the Piper PA-23-250 turned to merge, its right propeller struck the left wingtip of the Cessna 152. The impact caused damage to the Cessna's cowling, navigation light, left aileron, skin, outer rib, and rear spar. No injuries were reported, and both aircraft taxied back to the apron under their own power.
The investigation
The investigation examined the cockpit environment, communication logs, and the physical evidence at the scene. Investigators noted that the Cessna 152 exhibited four distinct cuts in its lower left wing skin, consistent with two revolutions of the Piper PA-23-250's propeller. Calculations suggested a relative closing speed between 16 and 20 knots.
The investigation also reviewed air traffic control (ATC) procedures. At the time, the Cuatro Vientos tower operated a single controller handling both ground and aerodrome movements on a single frequency. It was noted that parked aircraft near exit D obstructed the view of taxiing traffic. Additionally, the investigation found that the ATC communication tapes for the event were unavailable because they had been overwritten.
Findings
- The crew of the Piper PA-23-250 was distracted by internal cockpit communications regarding steering corrections and engine start procedures, which likely prevented them from noticing that another aircraft had been cleared to taxi to the same point.
- The pilot of the Cessna 152 observed the Piper PA-23-250 but failed to take sufficient evasive action, assuming the other aircraft would yield.
- The primary cause was the failure of the aircraft on the converging path to yield the right-of-way to the aircraft on its right, combined with a lack of situational awareness regarding other taxiing traffic.
- Visual obstructions caused by parked aircraft hindered the ability of pilots to detect approaching traffic.
- The use of a single frequency for both ground and tower control increased the risk of communication oversights.
Safety action
- REC 36/03: It is recommended that AENA, through its Air Traffic Control Division, implement measures to ensure that air traffic control frequency recordings are properly preserved following any suspected aircraft accident or incident.