What happened
On 4 April 2007, a Piper PA-28-180, registration G-BCCF, was preparing for a private flight from Sleap Airfield to Manchester Airport. At the time of the incident, Runway 05 was active. The flight procedures required the pilot to taxi along the intersecting Runway 18 before performing a 90-degree left turn toward the threshold of Runway 05.
While following three other aircraft already taxiing down Runway 18, the pilot attempted to execute the turn. However, the pilot failed to navigate the right-hand turn correctly at the southern end of the runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft's left wing made contact with a wooden post belonging to a barbed wire fence situated near the taxiway. The impact caused the aircraft to swerve toward the Runway 05 threshold, leading the propeller to strike the barbed wire and causing the engine to stop suddenly.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination of the aircraft revealed a dent in the leading edge of the left wing and a broken left navigation light. The impact also resulted in a bent propeller and significant shock-loading of the engine.