What happened
On 10 February 2008, a PZL-Bielsko SZD-45A Ogar motor glider, registration G-BEBG, was taxiing at Hinton-in-the-Hedges, near Brackley, following a short flight from Turweston. As the pilot moved the aircraft toward the fuel pumps, a group of parachutists was observed gathered near the left side of the taxiway, close to a fuel bowser.
In an attempt to alert the group to the approaching aircraft, the pilot stopped and briefly pulsed the throttle. Once the parachutists began to move away, the pilot proceeded at a slow speed, while simultaneously attempting to ensure the right wing tip would clear a sign marking the runway holding point. During this maneuver, the left wing tip of the aircraft struck two of the parachutists. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers, and no damage was sustained by the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was focused on maintaining clearance between the right wing tip and a marker board. The pilot noted that the parachutists were looking upward, likely watching airborne activities, which may have hindered their ability to perceive the aircraft's proximity. The pilot also reflected that the incident could have been avoided if the individuals had been wearing high-visibility clothing or if the engine had been shut down to allow for direct communication.
Findings
- The contact occurred because the pilot was preoccupied with maintaining clearance for the right wing tip from a marker board.
- The pilot's attention was divided between navigating the wing tip around a sign and monitoring the position of the parachutists.
- The parachutists were looking skyward and were not paying sufficient attention to the taxiing aircraft.