What happened
On December 15, 1964, a collision occurred on the ground at the Bern-Belpmoos airfield. While taxiing from its parking position, a Piper Cub J3C, registration HB-ALP, moved into a previously parked helicopter, a Bell 47-G, registration HB-XAV. The impact resulted in significant damage to both aircraft, with the Piper Cub sustaining approximately 30% damage and the Bell 47-G sustaining approximately 20% damage.
The investigation
The investigation established the sequence of events leading to the contact between the two aircraft. Investigators examined the movement of the Piper Cub J3C from its stand and determined that the aircraft drifted into the stationary helicopter during the initial taxiing phase.
Findings
The primary cause of the accident was insufficient attention by the student pilot during the taxiing process. This lack of situational awareness allowed the aircraft to deviate from its intended path and strike the parked Bell 47-G.