Accident
On 10 May 2002 at 15:30 local time, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration EC-ERN) was involved in a collision with a vehicle while taxiing at Aeródromo La Axarquía in Málaga province. The aircraft was being operated by a student pilot on a solo instructional flight.
Description
The student pilot performed a preflight inspection, started the engine, and began taxiing. Shortly after, the pilot noticed a vehicle parked on the taxiway that obstructed the path. To avoid the vehicle, the pilot turned the aircraft to the right, but the left wing tip struck the vehicle. The impact caused the aircraft to pivot on the wing tip, and the propeller then struck the hood of the vehicle.
Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage, including a broken leading edge and dents on the left wing's leading edge, deformation of propeller blades, and possible internal engine damage. The vehicle suffered damage to the hood, bumper, and rear window. The student pilot was uninjured.
Analysis
The cause of the incident was the presence of a vehicle parked very close to the taxiway centerline, which obstructed aircraft movement. The student pilot had two options: stop and seek the vehicle's driver to remove it, or attempt to pass by moving as far away as possible. The pilot chose the latter but did not take necessary precautions such as reducing speed or verifying that the left wing cleared the obstacle. Additionally, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft after the first impact, leading to a second impact with the propeller. The student pilot's lack of experience likely contributed to the misjudgment.