Incident
On 1 April 2012 at 1330 UTC, a de Havilland DH82A Tiger Moth (registration G-AMTF) and a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee (registration G-ZZIJ) were involved in a ground collision at Lashenden (Headcorn) Aerodrome in Kent. The Tiger Moth had just landed and was taxiing back along the south side of Runway 11 towards the refuelling area when it struck the Cherokee, which was stationary and being readied for flight adjacent to the main aircraft parking area.
Pilot Reports
The Cherokee pilot reported that the aircraft was parked with the engine not running. He was inside the cockpit conducting pre-flight checks when his front seat passenger exclaimed "LOOK OUT!" The pilot looked up and saw the left wing of the taxiing Tiger Moth strike the Cherokee's right engine cowling. The impact caused the Tiger Moth to swing left until its propeller struck the Cherokee's windscreen and side 'A' pillar.
The Tiger Moth pilot stated that he considered he had not been weaving sufficiently to see the Cherokee ahead, which he observed was parked some distance from the normal parking area. He also thought that people walking near other parked aircraft, to his right, may have distracted him and caused him to turn too little to the right while weaving, preventing an adequate view to the left.
Injuries and Damage
The airfield fire and rescue service attended promptly. All occupants vacated their aircraft without difficulty. Only the Cherokee pilot reported an injury, which he described as minor. The Cherokee sustained damage to the windscreen, side screen, left and right cowlings, propeller, and 'A' pillar. The Tiger Moth's propeller was damaged, and its left lower wing suffered damage to the leading edge, some ribs, and the main spar.
Aircraft Information
- Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee G-ZZIJ: Year of manufacture 1966, serial number 28-3639, powered by one Lycoming O-360-A4A piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence (age 48) with 201 hours total flying experience (101 on type).
- DH82A Tiger Moth G-AMTF: Year of manufacture 1941, serial number 84207, powered by one De Havilland Gipsy Major 1C piston engine. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence (age 55) with 395 hours total flying experience (245 on type).
Both flights were private. The Cherokee had two passengers on board; the Tiger Moth had none.