What happened
On November 18, 2021, at 12:30 UTC, a Cessna 150M, registration LV-CDW, was involved in a ground collision at Morón Airport in the province of Buenos Aires. The aircraft had departed from San Fernando International Airport 30 minutes earlier for a general aviation ferry flight.
While taxiing toward the North apron after crossing a runway, the aircraft struck a parked fuel truck. The impact caused significant damage to the Cessna 150M, specifically to the propeller, the engine due to the sudden stop, and the right wing's leading edge and upper surface. The fuel truck also sustained damage to its right fender, and the aircraft's windshield was broken. The pilot sustained minor injuries, and the truck driver also suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation by the JST examined the operational environment at Morón Airport and the authorization status of the vehicles involved. Investigators found that the fuel truck was parked between the North apron and taxiway Echo. Crucially, the driver of the truck did not possess the required authorization to operate within the movement area, as mandated by Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC). Furthermore, the investigation revealed that neither the driver nor the fuel truck had the necessary permits for such operations, although airport authorities were reportedly aware of the vehicle's routine movements.
Findings
- The collision occurred when the Cessna 150M struck a fuel truck parked in the movement area.
- The fuel truck lacked the mandatory authorization for operating within the airport's movement area.
- The airport lacked a designated perimeter road to allow vehicles to travel from the North apron to the military apron.
- There was a notable absence of precise markings for apron edges, vehicle taxiways, stopping zones, and service vehicle parking areas.
- The airport lacked a formal Aerodrome Manual, leading to the use of informal practices for managing aircraft and vehicle movements.
- The lack of a Safety Management System (SMS) prevented the identification of these infrastructure and procedural deficiencies.