What happened
On February 22, 2017, at 19:20 local time, a DR 400/180 aircraft, registration HB-KOW, was involved in a ground collision at Sion Airport (LSGS). The aircraft, operated by Air-Club d'Yverdon-les-Bains, was performing a private flight under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) after departing from Yverdon-les-Bains (LSGY).
During the taxi phase, the pilot attempted to exit runway 25 to the left via taxiway G to avoid applying heavy braking. While navigating, the pilot observed two rows of blue lights and steered the aircraft to the right side of the rightmost row, heading toward the "Link" parking area. During this maneuver, the pilot inadvertently entered a path designated for ground vehicles. The aircraft's left wing struck two consecutive signage panels, causing damage to the aircraft's leading edge and the signs themselves. No injuries were reported among the crew or passengers.
The investigation
The Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) examined the sequence of events leading to the impact. The investigation established that the pilot's path was straight but deviated from the intended taxiway into a service road. An air traffic controller identified the navigational error and alerted the pilot during the taxiing process, just as the collision occurred.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to recognize they were taxiing on a vehicle service road.
- The aircraft sustained light damage, specifically a dented left leading edge near the lights.
- The collision resulted in the destruction of two airfield signage panels.