Incident Overview
On 10 December 2008 at 0950 hours, a ground collision occurred at Old Sarum Airfield, Wiltshire, involving two light aircraft. The aircraft were a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II, registration G-LAZL, and a Rockwell Commander 112B, registration G-IMPX.
Aircraft and Pilot Details
G-LAZL was a 1981 Piper PA-28-161 powered by a Lycoming O-320-D3G engine. It was being operated on a private flight with a single pilot, who held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 61 years old. His total flying experience was 191 hours, including 16 hours on type, with only 1 hour flown in the preceding 90 days. G-IMPX was a 1976 Rockwell Commander 112B with a Lycoming IO-360-C1D6 engine. No crew or passengers were on board G-IMPX at the time.
Description of the Event
G-LAZL was parked facing the left side of G-IMPX. The pilot of G-LAZL started the engine and, after conducting initial checks, began to taxi. He performed a brake check before commencing a left turn intended to avoid G-IMPX. During the turn, he realized that his right wingtip would not clear G-IMPX's left wing. He attempted to tighten the turn while applying the brakes and reducing engine power to idle. However, before the aircraft came to a stop, G-LAZL's right wingtip struck the rear of G-IMPX's left aileron.
Damage and Injuries
As a result of the collision, G-LAZL sustained damage to its right wingtip, while G-IMPX sustained damage to its left aileron and left flap. No injuries were reported to any persons involved.
Investigation Source
The information for this incident was provided by the pilot of G-LAZL via an Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). The AAIB Bulletin issued was 4/2009, reference EW/G2008/12/03.