What happened
On 19 February 2011, a Tri-Kis, registration G-BVTA, was performing a training flight at Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon. Following the conclusion of a flight, the pilot was taxiing through the end of runway 23 toward the embarkation area. During this maneuver, the pilot's foot slipped from the right rudder pedal, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left.
As the aircraft accelerated, the pilot attempted to correct the course by applying maximum braking and left steering. However, the sudden movement caused the pilot's body to lurch, inadvertently opening the throttle and increasing engine RPM by approximately 400-500. While the pilot managed to avoid a parked Beechcraft, the aircraft's trajectory led into a collision with a parked Cessna 172S Skyhawk, registration G-ILPY.
The impact caused the left wingtip of G-BVTA to strike the rear fuselage of the Cessna 172S Skyhawk. The force of the collision caused the Tri-Kis to spin left, eventually wedging its left wing under the tail of the stationary aircraft. The collision resulted in significant damage to both aircraft, including a cracked fuselage and damaged engine components on G-BVTA, and damage to the rear fuselage, wing strut, and aileron of G-ILPY. There were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's actions and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The pilot reported that during the attempt to straighten the aircraft, his right foot became trapped between the rudder pedal and the centre console. He also noted that the impact caused the left hatch of the aircraft to come off its hinges.
Findings
- The primary cause of the collision was the pilot's foot slipping off the right rudder pedal during a tight turn.
- The pilot's struggle to free his trapped leg contributed to an inadvertent increase in throttle setting.
- The offset positioning of the rudder pedals and the lack of sufficient friction material on the pedals contributed to the loss of foot control.
- The design of the throttle friction device was identified as a factor, as the pilot suggested a collar-style mechanism would allow for easier power reduction.