What happened
On May 21, 2022, at approximately 13:15 local time, a ground collision occurred at Béziers airport (LFMU) in France. The incident involved two light aircraft during taxi operations prior to departure. The first aircraft, a Robin DR 400-120 with registration F-GPHL, was positioned at holding point A. While taxiing, it was struck by a second aircraft, a Beech Aircraft Corporation, C18S bearing the Swiss registration HB-GAC.
The investigation
The collision resulted in significant damage to both airframes. The Robin DR 400-120 was destroyed in the impact, while the Beechcraft C18S sustained substantial damage. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers of either aircraft, and no damage was reported to ground infrastructure. Following the notification of the event, the investigation was handled by the French Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA France).
Findings
- The collision occurred specifically at holding point A during the taxi phase.
- The primary cause of the incident was the collision of the Beechcraft C18S with the stationary or slow-moving Robin DR 400 during ground maneuvers.