What happened
On 27 January 2005, a student pilot was conducting a training flight at Prestwick International Airport in a Reims Cessna FRA150M, registration G-BFGX. After being cleared to taxi from Apron 'E' to holding point 'S1', the pilot observed a Boeing 747 taxiing to holding point 'A1'. While the student pilot waited, the 747 stopped at its designated position.
Following a further delay, air traffic control cleared the G-BFGX to proceed to holding point 'Q'. As the light aircraft passed directly behind the stationary 747, the pilot observed the large jet's engines were at idle power. Suddenly, the aircraft experienced intense vibrations before being blown onto its left wing. The aircraft rotated approximately 180 degrees until the right wing and propeller made contact with the ground, eventually coming to rest on the grass. There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained damage to its propeller and both wingtips.
The investigation
The AAIB established that while the 747 was awaiting oceanic clearance, the controller had instructed the jet crew to maintain idle power and had notified the student pilot of the light aircraft's presence. The investigation noted that the tail of the 747 was positioned near the edge of Taxiway 'S' at the time of the incident.
Investigators found that although the flying club provided briefings regarding the dangers of large aircraft operations, there was a lack of formal written guidance in UK aeronautical publications regarding the specific risks of engine efflux on the ground. The investigation referenced international standards, noting that Canadian authorities had previously identified a danger zone of 600 feet behind large aircraft engines at idle.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the impact of engine efflux from the Boeing 747 on the light aircraft.
- The hazards associated with ground-level engine exhaust from large jets are not sufficiently recognized by air traffic controllers or aircraft crews.
- There was a lack of specific, written regulatory guidance in the UK regarding the danger zones created by jet engine thrust during ground operations.