What happened
On August 21, 1978, at the Bex airfield in Switzerland, a collision occurred between two vintage aircraft during a period following a weekend aviation meeting. A Supermarine Spitfire Mk 5, registration AB-910 QJJ, was performing its takeoff run on runway 33. Simultaneously, a Harvard AT-16, registration PH-KMA, was taxiing toward the same runway.
The pilot of the PH-KMA had received taxi instructions to proceed to the holding position for runway 33. To avoid two aircraft parked on the taxiway—a Hawker Harrier and a T-6—the pilot of the PH-KMA entered the runway surface. As the AB-910 QJJ accelerated for takeoff, the pilot noticed the PH-KMA on the runway. Despite an attempt to cut power and lower the tailwheel, a head-on collision occurred. The impact pushed the PH-KMA approximately 35 meters across the runway, resulting in the destruction of the PH-KMA and severe damage to the AB-910 QJJ. The pilot of the PH-KMA sustained a fractured leg, while the pilot of the AB-910 QJJ was uninjured.
The investigation
Investigators examined the airfield's operational status following the conclusion of a public flight display held the previous weekend. While professional air traffic control had been active during the event, this service had been discontinued on the evening of August 20. The investigation established that a private pilot, acting as a radio operator for the local flying club, had activated a portable radio station near a restaurant. This individual issued a taxi clearance to the PH-KMA despite having no visual oversight of the runway.
The inquiry also looked into the visibility characteristics of the aircraft involved. Both the Supermarine Spitfire Mk 5 and the Harvard AT-16 are equipped with tailwheel configurations and large engine cowlings, which significantly obstruct forward visibility during ground operations.
Findings
- The primary cause was the unauthorized issuance of a taxi clearance by an unqualified radio operator who lacked a complete view of the runway.
- The airfield's air traffic control service had been decommissioned without the visiting pilots being notified.
- Both pilots failed to maintain adequate observation of their paths and the surrounding environment.
- The inherent design of both aircraft types resulted in poor forward visibility during taxiing.
- The presence of parked aircraft on the taxiway forced the PH-KMA to occupy the runway surface to reach the holding point.