What happened
On 25 April 2004, a Stampe SV4CO was conducting a training flight at Staverton Airport in Gloucestershire. Following a landing on the asphalt Runway 09, the instructor received permission to vacate the runway and proceed via the grass area. To allow a following aircraft to land, the aircraft moved to the right of the runway.
As the aircraft taxied slowly across the grass toward the inactive Runway 36, the instructor focused on scanning the terrain for potential holes or obstructions, as she was unfamiliar with this specific area of the airfield. During this process, the aircraft struck a runway marker board, resulting in damage to the propeller. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the taxi maneuver and the instructor's focus during the incident. The investigation established that the instructor was scanning the ground for surface hazards, which led to a loss of situational awareness regarding objects ahead of the aircraft.
Further inquiry revealed that the instructor was nearing the end of a demanding flying day following a period of reduced activity during the winter. The instructor noted that fatigue had contributed to a degradation in her lookout capabilities.