What happened
On the night of March 23, 2018, a Piper PA-28-161, registration HB-PHD, was taxiing at Zurich Airport (LSZH) following a flight from Bern. After landing on runway 28, the pilot was instructed by apron control to use taxiway "Inner" to avoid an Airbus A3/20 waiting on taxiway K.
To mitigate the risk of engine exhaust, apron control arranged for a Follow-Me vehicle to lead the light aircraft to the General Aviation Center (GAC). As the HB-PHD followed the vehicle past taxiway K, the preceding Airbus A320 began to move. The resulting jet blast was powerful enough to lift the left wing of the Piper twice. While the aircraft sustained no visible damage upon inspection by the pilot and maintenance crews, a third party nearby sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
SUST examined the sequence of movements on the taxiway and the coordination between the pilot and ground control. The investigation focused on the proximity of the aircraft to the Airbus A320 and the effectiveness of the Follow-Me vehicle in maintaining a safe distance from the jet blast. The inquiry also reviewed the training and hazard awareness of the Follow-Me vehicle operators.
Findings
- The pilot was aware of the risks associated with crossing behind a commercial airliner but believed the presence of the Follow-Me vehicle provided sufficient protection from engine exhaust.
- The incident was triggered by the Airbus A320 increasing engine power precisely as the HB-PHD was positioned behind it.
- The Follow-Me driver underestimated the reach and intensity of the jet blast, failing to maintain enough separation from the larger aircraft.
- Although the airport's hazard library was updated following the event, there was no evidence of specific additional training for Follow-Me drivers regarding jet blast hazards following this occurrence.