What happened
On August 31, 2003, at approximately 05:20 local time, a Piper PA-34-200, registration EC-HOK, landed on runway 24L at Palma de Mallorca Airport after arriving from Barcelona. Prior to landing, the pilot had requested authorization for a long landing to facilitate an exit via taxiway H-7, located at the end of the runway.
As the aircraft reached the end of runway 24L, the pilot initiated a right turn to enter taxiway H-7. However, the aircraft did not follow the centerline of the taxiway, instead traveling along a path between the centerlines of taxiways H-7 and H-8. The aircraft continued along this strip of pavement until the propeller of the left engine struck a vertical airport sign (indicating holding point 06R) positioned between the two taxiways. The impact caused damage to the propeller, the left wing, and the nose radome. The aircraft sustained minor damage, and the impact also caused significant damage to the airport sign. The aircraft was able to continue taxiing under its own power to the parking apron.
Both occupants of the aircraft were uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's path, the airport lighting conditions, and the pilot's experience. Meteorological reports indicated excellent visibility (CAVOK) and light winds at the time of the event. The investigation confirmed that the taxiway centerline and edge lights for both H-7 and H-8 were fully operational and illuminated.
The pilot, who held a commercial pilot license and possessed significant experience in this aircraft type, stated that he lost orientation due to poor lighting and the absence of taxiway centerline lights. However, the investigation established that the lighting systems were functioning correctly. The pilot also noted that he did not realize the aircraft had left the taxiway until the moment of impact with the sign.