What happened
On June 21, 2014, at approximately 16:15 local time, a collision occurred at the Bressaucourt Aerodrome (LSZQ) involving two aircraft. The first aircraft, a HB-TCH, was parked near the administrative building. The second aircraft, a Robin R 3000/160 with registration HB-KEC, was involved in a taxiing maneuver under the direction of the airfield manager.
As the airfield manager used hand signals to guide the pilot of the HB-KEC toward a position for manual pushback following engine shutdown, the pilot lost control of the aircraft during the turn. This loss of control resulted in the propeller of the HB-KEC striking the right wingtip of the stationary HB-TCH.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the taxiing phase of flight. Investigators examined the movements of both aircraft and the instructions provided by the airfield personnel. The inquiry established that the HB-KEC was being maneuvered specifically to facilitate a manual pushback once the engine was stopped. The physical evidence showed damage to the right wingtip of the HB-TCH and marks on the propeller of the HB-KEC.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot losing control of the aircraft during a turning maneuver.
- The collision occurred while the aircraft were in the taxiing phase of operation under VFR conditions.
- There were no injuries reported for the pilot of the HB-TCH or the pilot and passenger on board the HB-KEC.