Incident Overview
On Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at 18:10 local time, a privately operated Piper PA-28 with registration EC-CMO was involved in a ground collision at Valencia Airport. The aircraft, powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E3D engine, had just completed a one-and-a-half-hour local flight and landed on runway 12. Aboard were the pilot-in-command and three passengers.
Sequence of Events
After exiting the runway via exit H6, the aircraft taxied toward General Aviation Platform 2. Due to ongoing infrastructure expansion works (Phase III), standard taxiway D was closed, and a temporary taxiway J had been established. The pilot, who had limited experience with this specific airport and only 80 total flight hours, attempted to locate the new taxiway. While maneuvering between relocated parking stands 23 and 24, the pilot directed the aircraft toward a gap in a metal noise barrier intended for turning around.
Damage and Injuries
As the aircraft passed through the gap, the right wingtip struck the barrier. This impact caused the plane to pivot sharply to the right, resulting in the nose striking the same structure. The collision left minor damage to the aircraft, specifically affecting the right wingtip and the propeller, where one blade was bent backward and the other severed near its tip. All four individuals on board—the pilot and three passengers—were unharmed.
Contributing Factors
The investigation highlighted that the pilot had limited familiarity with the airport's layout and low type-specific experience (60 hours). The confusion was exacerbated by the temporary changes to taxiway designations and routes caused by construction. The pilot misinterpreted a horizontal sign and attempted to navigate through a gap in the noise barrier that was only slightly wider than the aircraft's wingspan, leading to the collision.