What happened
On 4 August 2006, a modified Stampe SV4A, registration G-AZNK, was involved in a ground accident at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey. Following engine start-up, the pilot received clearance to taxi on the grass area west of Runway 18/36, heading toward Holding Point G2 for an intersection departure on Runway 36. After moving a short distance from a parking position near Hangar 8, the pilot attempted to locate a suitable point to turn onto the grass surface.
During this maneuver, the pilot encountered an arriving aircraft that blocked the intended turning point. In an effort to find an alternative path, the pilot continued taxiing along a line of parked aircraft. While searching for a new gap, the pilot focused his attention exclusively out of the left side of the cockpit. In doing so, the aircraft entered a paved area marked as a roadway and struck a road sign and traffic island at a low speed. The collision resulted in damage to the propeller and landing gear, though there were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the airfield layout and the pilot's actions during the taxi. It was established that the road sign and the small traffic island had been a permanent fixture of the airfield for several years, and the pilot acknowledged being aware of their existence. The investigation focused on the visibility limitations inherent in the aircraft type and the sequence of movements leading to the impact.