What happened
On 25 May 2004, a Piper PA-34-2-00T Seneca II, registration G-BOUL, was conducting a local training flight at Oxford (Kidlington) Airport. The crew, consisting of an experienced commander and a student pilot, had started the engines and prepared to taxi. Due to a misunderstanding, the aircraft began moving without receiving the necessary clearance from Air Traffic Control.
As the aircraft began a right-hand turn onto the taxiway, the commander leaned forward to retrieve a fallen notepad and pen. During this moment of distraction, the student pilot attempted to navigate the turn through asymmetric power settings. However, the aircraft failed to complete the turn within the available space, and the port wing of the Piper PA-34-200T Seneca II struck the fin of a parked PA-28. The impact caused no injuries to the crew but resulted in substantial damage to the Seneca's outer wing leading edge, wing skin, and rear spar attachment bracket, as well as damage to the stationary aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation examined the taxi procedures and the technique used to navigate the confined space. It was noted that the aircraft was positioned in a tight area where a right turn onto the taxiway centerline was required. The investigation looked into the student pilot's use of controls, specifically the application of rudder and braking. While the student increased power on the left engine to assist the turn, the investigation found that the student likely used little to no asymmetric braking to tighten the turning radius.
Furthermore, the investigation established that the commander was unable to monitor the student's actions at the critical moment because he was preoccupied with retrieving items from the floor of the cockpit.
Findings
- The taxi maneuver was initiated without ATC clearance due to a communication error between the crew.
- The student pilot relied primarily on asymmetric engine power rather than using the necessary asymmetric braking required for tight turns in confined spaces.
- The commander was distracted by retrieving a notepad and pen, which prevented him from supervising the student's handling of the aircraft during the turn.