Overview
On 11 April 2011, at 0952 UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior III, registration G-WARU, was involved in a ground collision with a parked Robinson R22 helicopter, registration G-BTHI, at Leicester Airport. The flight was a private operation with only the pilot on board. No injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was taxiing the Warrior to a parking area when he encountered another aircraft taxiing towards him on the same taxiway. To avoid a head-on situation, the pilot turned left onto another taxiway that also led to the intended parking area. The width of that taxiway was reduced by fixed-wing aircraft parked on the right with their nosewheels on the taxiway and three helicopters parked on the left. While attempting to taxi through the line of aircraft, the Warrior's left wingtip struck the parked Robinson R22 helicopter.
Aircraft and Damage
The collision caused damage to the left wingtip of G-WARU and damage to the windscreen and door pillar of the parked Robinson R22. The pilot subsequently informed the Tower and shut down the aircraft.
Pilot Experience
The commander held a Private Pilot's Licence and was 61 years old. He had a total flying experience of 110 hours, all on the same type, with 16 hours in the last 90 days and 4 hours in the last 28 days.
Additional Information
After the accident, the pilot measured the wingspan of the Warrior as 10 paces and the gap between the parked aircraft as 11 paces.