Incident
On 19 August 2001 at 0355 UTC, a Piper PA-34-200T, registration G-RVRB, was involved in a ground incident at Manchester Airport during taxi. The aircraft was operating a public transport cargo flight.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a twin-engine Piper PA-34-200T, manufactured in 1979, powered by two Continental Motors Corp TSIO-360-EB piston engines. The commander, aged 29, held a Commercial Pilot's Licence and had 267 total flying hours, with 24 hours on type. A second pilot was also on board.
Sequence of Events
The crew reported for duty at 0215 hrs and completed the necessary paperwork before proceeding to the aircraft, parked in the light aircraft parking area. After pre-flight checks and obtaining ATC clearance, the commander began taxiing towards the holding point for Runway 06L. As the aircraft approached taxiway 'A', the commander initiated a left turn too early, causing the left main landing gear to leave the paved surface and cross an area of grass. The commander heard an unusual noise and decided to return to the ramp for inspection.
Damage
Examination of the left side of the aircraft revealed damage to the tips of the left propeller, described as bent propeller blades.
Weather Conditions
The weather at Manchester at the time included a surface wind of 090°/08 kt, visibility 5,000 metres in rain, temperature +16°C, dewpoint +15°C, and QNH 1002 mb. The commander reported that poor visibility, moderate rain, and low ambient lighting contributed to the cause of this occurrence.