Accident
On 20 August 1999 at 1650 UTC, a Piper PA-28-180, registration G-BASJ, was involved in a ground collision at Bristol (Lulsgate) Airport. The aircraft sustained minor damage to the underside of its right wing. Neither the pilot nor the sole passenger reported any injuries.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, a Piper PA-28-180 manufactured in 1972, was powered by one Lycoming O-360-A4A piston engine. The 50-year-old pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had a total flying experience of 475 hours, of which 250 were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 8 hours, and in the last 28 days, also 8 hours.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had pulled the aircraft from the hangar and parked it facing up a slight incline, with two other aircraft parked close to its left-hand side. To prevent the aircraft from rolling backward before entering the cockpit and applying the parking brake, he positioned the nosewheel significantly to the left. After completing external checks, the pilot was joined by his passenger, and both entered the cockpit to prepare for flight. During this time, a helicopter was moved from within the hangar and parked close to the right side of the aircraft.
Deciding to start the engine and taxi clear of the helicopter to carry out the remainder of his checks, the pilot applied power. According to the pilot's report, the power application was probably more abrupt than necessary, causing the aircraft to veer to the left before corrective rudder could be applied. As a result, the aircraft's right wing collided with the wing of a parked aircraft on the left.
Conclusion
The accident occurred during taxi at Bristol Airport when the aircraft veered left after an abrupt power application, striking a parked aircraft. The investigation was based on the pilot's submitted Aircraft Accident Report form.