What happened
On February 10, 2015, at approximately 14:10 local time, a private Maule M-4-210C, registration HB-ETR, was involved in a ground collision at an airfield in Payerne. Following two previously completed landings involving go-arounds, the pilot attempted to taxi the aircraft into a parking position adjacent to a stationary Cessna 150D, registration HB-CMS.
While the approach and landing phases were completed without incident, the pilot initiated a left turn toward the parked aircraft. As the pilot brought the aircraft to a halt roughly 20 meters to the left of the Cessna 150D, the Maule M-4-210C began to slide unexpectedly. This uncontrolled movement caused the aircraft to rotate toward the stationary plane, leading to a collision.
The investigation
Investigators examined the sequence of events leading to the contact between the two aircraft. The investigation established that the collision occurred during the taxiing phase while the pilot was maneuvering toward a parking spot. The impact resulted in the propeller, engine, and windshield of the HB-ETR sustaining damage, while the left wing of the HB-CMS was severed by the moving propeller.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the uncontrolled sliding of the Maule M-4-210C during the final stages of taxiing.
- The collision resulted in one person being slightly injured or uninjured (the occupant of the stationary aircraft).
- The impact caused significant structural damage to both the moving and stationary aircraft.