What happened
On 1 April 2001, a Piper PA-2ability-28-161, registration G-BNOP, was completing a private cross-country flight from Blackpool to Caernarfon Airport. Upon arrival, the pilot, who was unfamiliar with the airfield, contacted the Air Ground radio facility to request taxi instructions.
The Air Ground operator provided guidance, suggesting the pilot turn left at the end of Runway 26. While navigating the aircraft, the pilot observed that the taxiway surface appeared to be in poor condition and attempted to seek clarification, but the operator did not respond. As the pilot proceeded to the end of the runway and executed the left turn, the aircraft's right wing struck a fence post, resulting in damage to the leading edge of the wing. There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers on board.
The investigation
The investigation established that the taxiway at the end of Runway 26 is currently disused. A fence had been installed in the middle of this taxiway, which significantly reduced its usable width. Although a marker is typically placed at the entrance of the taxiway to warn pilots of the ground conditions, this marker had collapsed and was not visible to the pilot during the taxi.
Furthermore, it was noted that the Air Ground radio operators are not authorized to provide air traffic control instructions. In this instance, the operator provided informal advice that contributed to the pilot's movement onto the restricted area.