What happened
On April 4, 2005, at 09:20, two EADS SOCATA TB 10 aircraft, registered F-GJXO and F/GJXM, were involved in a ground collision at Muret aerodrome. Both aircraft were being operated by a flight school as part of a student pilot training program.
The pilot of F-GJXO had landed on runway 12 and was taxiing toward the holding point to begin a new circuit. At the same time, the pilot of F-GJXM was stationary at the holding point for runway 12, performing pre-takeoff checks. As the pilot of F-GJXO approached the holding point, they requested permission to line up on the runway and received clearance from the controller. During the maneuver to align with the runway, the right wingtip of F-GJXO struck the left wingtip of the stationary F-GJXM.
The investigation
The investigation examined the taxiing procedures and the training environment at the flight school. It was noted that the students were in the sixth week of an eight-week PPL(A) course, focusing on completing a series of full landings. This specific phase of training creates high traffic density at the holding point, as aircraft arriving from landings and aircraft preparing for takeoff frequently occupy the same area.
The investigators also reviewed the taxiing training provided to student pilots. While the aerodrome uses ground markings designed to prevent collisions, the investigation found that the proximity of parked aircraft in the school's parking area requires high levels of situational awareness.
Findings
- The collision was caused by the pilot of F-GJXO having excessive confidence in the protection provided by ground markings. The pilot believed that staying on the yellow taxiway centerline would inherently prevent any collision with obstacles.
- The pilot failed to consider the potential for interference from the aircraft stationed at the holding point and did not take specific precautions while passing the stationary plane.
- The pilot's attention was likely diverted by the focus on following the taxiway markings rather than maintaining a continuous scan of the surrounding environment.
- The high volume of aircraft movement at the holding point, caused by the requirement for students to perform frequent landings, increased the complexity of ground operations.