Incident Overview
On Wednesday, 27 September 2006, at 14:25 local time, a Cessna 152 (registration EC-ELI) operated by Airman was taxiing to the general aviation parking apron at Malaga Airport (LEMG) after completing a solo training flight from Granada. The aircraft had landed on runway 13 and was entering the apron when it encountered the jet blast from an engine test being performed by a Cessna Citation Excel (registration G-XLMB) operated by Aviation Beauport. The blast caused the tail of the Cessna 152 to lift off the ground, rotating the airplane 90°. As the aircraft dropped back down, the nose struck the ground, resulting in damage to the propeller.
Crew and Injuries
The Cessna 152 was flown by a student pilot with 31 total flight hours, all on type. The Cessna Citation Excel had a crew of two: a pilot in command (with 5,500 total flight hours, 1,000 on type) and a co-pilot. No injuries were reported among the student pilot or the crew of the Citation Excel.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot stated that after landing, he was authorized by Ground to taxi to general aviation parking. Upon entering the apron near the new hangars, he felt a strong jolt and the airplane lifted by the tail, making a 90° turn that forced him toward the first hangar. He stopped the engine and observed that the Citation Excel was conducting an engine test with the exhaust directed toward the apron entrance. He noted that Ground did not inform him of the engine test.
The crew of the Citation Excel reported that they had conducted an earlier engine test at approximately 11:52 after a rejected take-off at the hold position for Runway 31, with ATC clearance. A second test attempt near the same hold point was aborted because ATC noted the position blocked the taxiway. About one hour later, they requested and received permission from ATC to conduct an engine run inside the general aviation apron to avoid obstructing the taxiway. They inspected the area on foot, assuming ATC would advise any conflicting taxiing aircraft. The test was carried out, and only afterward did they learn of the incident. No person was stationed outside to observe the exhaust during the test.
The controller involved stated that the crew had contacted Clearance Delivery on frequency 121.85, requesting authorization for an engine check. The controller reminded them of their flight plan expiration time and interpreted the request as a minor pre-flight check. The controller later learned that the test was performed on the apron, not at the designated hold point, and noted that proper procedure required coordination with Malaga Operations.
Airport Procedures
According to the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for Malaga Airport, pilots are responsible for collision avoidance in the apron and taxiway segments not visible from the tower. Ground Control controls movements on the manoeuvring area. Engine run-up tests for jet aircraft require prior authorization from the airport authority. An internal instruction specifies that for medium or maximum power tests, the aircraft must be positioned at the hold position of the runway not in use, with exhaust directed to the taxiway asphalt, and a person must be on the ground to ensure the exhaust does not affect others.
Communications
A recorded communication at 12:07:55 UTC showed that the Citation crew informed Clearance Delivery of their intention to perform an engine test, including both low and high revolutions. The controller acknowledged and reminded them of the flight plan expiration. The crew acknowledged and said they were aware.