What happened
On 14 March 2001, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BNOE, was involved in a ground incident at Sherburn Aero Club in West Yorkshire. Following the completion of the final flight of the day, the pilot taxied the aircraft toward the refueling pumps. After being marshalled into the appropriate position at the pumps, the pilot utilized the foot brakes to keep the aircraft stationary.
While the aircraft was stopped, the pilot leaned down to retrieve a checklist. During this movement, the pilot accidentally released the foot brakes. This caused the aircraft to roll forward, resulting in the propeller striking a fire extinguisher trolley.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of events leading to the contact between the aircraft and the ground equipment. The investigation established that the aircraft was stationary and held only by the foot brakes at the time the pilot reached for his documentation.
Findings
- The aircraft moved forward because the pilot inadvertently released the foot brakes while attempting to pick up a checklist.
- The impact between the propeller and the fire extinguisher trolley caused damage to the propeller and resulted in a shock load to the engine.
- The propeller was subsequently replaced following the incident.