Accident Overview
On 8 June 2013, at approximately 1455 UTC, a Tecnam P92-EM Echo microlight (registration G-CBDM) and an AT-16 Harvard IIB (registration G-AZBN) were involved in an accident at Deanland Airfield, Sussex. Both aircraft were operating on private flights, each with a single pilot and no passengers. Neither pilot was injured.
Tecnam Pilot's Report
The pilot of G-CBDM taxied towards Runway 06 for departure, following local fly-in procedures by broadcasting his intentions on the Air/Ground radio. He stopped on the grass taxiway before the runway, with another aircraft ahead performing pre-takeoff engine checks. The pilot noticed a Harvard parked to his right starting up. Concerned about propeller wash, he found insufficient space to turn around and the taxiway ahead was blocked. He attempted to manoeuvre forward but the microlight was blown onto its left side by the Harvard's propeller wash. The pilot vacated the aircraft and approached the Harvard pilot to alert him. After an exchange, the Harvard pilot restarted and departed.
Harvard Pilot's Report
The Harvard pilot had discussed parking and taxiing with event organisers beforehand. Due to the confined airfield, he asked where to perform pre-takeoff power checks and was told he could do so at the parking spot. He arranged for a lightweight aircraft behind him to be moved. The pilot coordinated with Air Cadet marshals using hand signals. After starting the engine and warming it for about 5 minutes, he received acknowledge signals and commenced propeller checks. On the third cycle, he was signalled to reduce power and learned that an aircraft had taxied behind and been tipped over.
Witness Accounts
Two eyewitnesses confirmed the Harvard engine had been running for some time before the Echo taxied behind, and the Harvard had just started propeller checks. One witness noted the ground sloped where the Echo was taxiing, possibly making it more prone to tipping in the propeller wash. Both witnesses reported limited marshalling assistance as the marshals were not formally trained.
Damage
G-CBDM sustained damage to its left wing tip and landing gear. G-AZBN was undamaged.