What happened
On 19 December 1998, a modified Piper L21B, registration G-BAFT, was involved in a ground accident at Sackville Airfield, Bedfordshire. The aircraft, operated for a private flight, was taxiing following the completion of a circuit detail. During this maneuver, the left wingtip of the aircraft made contact with a fence post, which subsequently caused the aircraft to swing into the fencing.
The incident resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, the engine mounts, and the left wingtip. There were two persons on board the aircraft at the time of the event, and neither the pilot nor the passenger sustained any injuries.
The investigation
Following the occurrence, an investigation was conducted into the circumstances of the ground collision. The examination of the aircraft revealed that the tailwheel tyre was deflated at the time of the accident. The pilot provided information indicating that the loss of pressure in the tyre contributed to difficulties in maintaining control of the aircraft during the taxi.
Findings
- The pilot maneuvered the aircraft too close to the perimeter fence during taxiing.
- Difficulty in controlling the aircraft was exacerbated by a deflated tailwheel tyre.