Left wing damage sustained during taxi at Turweston Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Turweston Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, GB

A Piper Cherokee Archer II sustained damage to its left wing after striking a warning sign during a power check at Turweston Aerodrome.

What happened

On 10 October 2013, a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-OODW, was involved in a ground incident at Turweston Aerodrome in Northamptonshire. The pilot had arrived at the airfield from Fairoaks and, after a period of parking, prepared for a return flight. During the pre-flight sequence, the pilot backtracked Runway 2t and exited at Holding Point C to conduct an engine power check.

To facilitate a right-hand turn back toward the holding point, the pilot manoeuvred the aircraft to the left of the taxiway centreline. During this turn, the leading edge of the left wing struck a metal upright supporting a warning sign. The pilot felt a slight bump and noticed a small dent in the wing from the cockpit, but did not associate the impact with the sensation. Following the power check, the aircraft departed Turweston and returned to Fairoaks, where the pilot subsequently discovered that the wing leading edge was both dented and torn. There were no injuries during the incident.

The investigation

The investigation established that the metal upright was part of a 'BEWARE – Very low flying aircraft' sign, positioned approximately 9.3 metres east of the taxiway centreline. This sign was intended to alert motorists on a nearby access road rather than serve as a formal taxiway marking.

The pilot noted that the sign was difficult to see due to its angle and the fact that his attention was directed toward the right during the turn. While the pilot's pre-flight inspection included checking the fuel caps from the leading edge, the specific damage was not visible during that check. The investigation also noted that the sign's placement did not meet the standard distance requirements for mandatory taxiway signage, as it was closer to the centreline than the 12.5 metres required by CAP 168.

Findings

  • The aircraft's left wing struck a metal signpost while the pilot was manoeuvring to perform a power check.
  • The pilot did not identify the impact as a significant collision at the time it occurred.
  • The warning sign was positioned in a location that made it difficult for the pilot to observe while turning.
  • The damage was not fully apparent to the pilot until the aircraft had landed at its destination.

Probable cause

The collision occurred because the pilot failed to observe the metal signpost during a turn, likely due to the sign's position and the pilot's focus being directed elsewhere during the manoeuvre.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-10-10 Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II accident near Turweston Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, GB?

A Piper Cherokee Archer II sustained damage to its left wing after striking a warning sign during a power check at Turweston Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-10-10 involved a Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, registration G-OODW, at Turweston Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision occurred because the pilot failed to observe the metal signpost during a turn, likely due to the sign's position and the pilot's focus being directed elsewhere during the manoeuvre.

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