What happened
On 1 April 2012, at approximately 13:30 UTC, two separate aircraft were involved in a ground collision at Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome in Kent. The first aircraft, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AMTF, had recently landed on Runway 11 and was taxiing toward the refuelling area along the south side of the runway.
During this taxiing maneuver, the DH82A Tiger Moth struck a stationary Piper PA-2 and 180 Cherokee, registration G-ZZIJ, which was parked near the main parking area. The Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee was undergoing pre-flight inspections with its engine shut down. The pilot of the G-ZZIJ was looking into the cockpit when a passenger alerted him to the approaching aircraft. The impact caused the Tiger Moth's left wing to strike the Cherokee's right engine cowling, leading the Tiger Moth to swing left. This movement caused the Tiger Moth's propeller to strike the Cherokee's windscreen and 'A' pillar.
The investigation
The investigation was based on aircraft accident report forms provided by both pilots. The inquiry examined the taxiing path of the G-AMTF and the positioning of the G-ZZIJ. It was established that the G-AMTF was taxiing in a weaving pattern to improve visibility, but the pilot failed to observe the parked aircraft ahead. The investigation also noted that the pilot of the G-ZZIJ may have been momentarily distracted by individuals walking near other parked aircraft, which potentially hindered his ability to monitor the area to his right.
Findings
- The collision resulted in one minor injury to the pilot of the G-ZZIJ.
- The DH82A Tiger Moth sustained damage to its propeller and the leading edge, ribs, and main spar of the left lower wing.
- The Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee sustained damage to its propeller, engine cowlings, windscreen, side screen, and 'A' pillar.
- The pilot of the Tiger Moth did not weave sufficiently to maintain a clear view of the taxiway ahead.