Casualties unknown

2008-06-08: Jabiru UL-450 and Jabiru UL-450 (G-NIGC and G-BZHR) — North Coates Airfield, Lincolnshire, GB

North Coates Airfield, Lincolnshire, GB

On June 8, 2008, a Jabiru UL-450 and Jabiru UL-450 (registration G-NIGC and G-BZHR) was involved in an aviation accident near North Coates Airfield, Lincolnshire, GB. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot concluded that because his attention was fully occupied in looking forward and following the wheel tracks he did not appreciate how close he was to the other aircraft. This summary draws on records from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

Sourcesthe UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB)Primary reportUpdated 1785053200Data APIEditorial standards

On 8 June 2008, two Jabiru UL-450 aircraft collided while taxiing at North Coates Airfield when the right wing tip of G-BZHR struck the tail fin of G-NIGC. No injuries were reported.

History of the Flight

The pilots of G-BZHR and G-NIGC were participating in a fly-in event at North Coates Airfield in Lincolnshire. Weather conditions were CAVOK, and Runway 05 was in use. After receiving clearance to taxi to the holding point of Runway 05, the pilot of G-BZHR departed the main parking area. He followed the wheel tracks in the grass created by other aircraft that day, focusing on the uneven ground due to concerns about potential damage to the Jabiru's nose landing gear from the terrain.

A line of parked aircraft faced away from him on his right side. As he passed the last aircraft in the line, the right wing tip of his aircraft struck the vertical fin of that aircraft, which was G-NIGC. Although there was sufficient space to his left to maneuver, the pilot was concentrating on the tracks and did not monitor his wing tip clearance.

Damage and Injuries

Both pilots shut down their aircraft after the impact and inspected the damage. G-NIGC sustained minor damage to its tail fin. G-BZHR reported no damage. There were no injuries to any of the four occupants (one crew and one passenger on each aircraft).

Conclusion

The pilot of G-BZHR concluded that his attention was fully occupied with looking forward and following the wheel tracks, causing him to not appreciate how close he was to the other aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot concluded that because his attention was fully occupied in looking forward and following the wheel tracks he did not appreciate how close he was to the other aircraft.