What happened
On July 6, 2019, at approximately 14:40 local time, a Z-226 MS, registration OK-LLR, was taxiing southeast along the western edge of runway 33L at Sazená Airport. The pilot, while maneuvering to maintain a safe distance from two aircraft parked to the right near a fuel station, initiated a right turn. During this maneuver, the pilot failed to notice a parked Cessna 150, registration OK-FOR, located approximately 30 meters to the left.
The resulting collision caused the leading edge of the OK-LLR left wing and its propeller to strike the left wing, left wing strut, and the forward engine area of the OK-FOR. The impact caused the OK-LLR to pivot approximately 360 degrees before coming to a stop. There were no injuries to the pilot of the OK-LLR, and the parked Cessuna 150 was unoccupied.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined the pilot's testimony, witness statements, aircraft documentation, and the specific design characteristics of the aircraft involved. Investigators noted that the pilot was fully qualified with a valid ATPL and possessed significant experience flying tailwheel-type aircraft. Witnesses at the airfield reported hearing an impact but did not see the collision occur due to obstructions from a fuel station building.
The investigation specifically focused on the inherent visibility limitations of the Z-226 MS. Because of its conventional landing gear (taildragger) configuration, the aircraft's longitudinal axis is tilted upward, significantly obstructing the pilot's forward view during ground operations. This design necessitates relying on side visibility or using a wing-walker to navigate around obstacles.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the pilot's improper distribution of attention while assessing the ground situation during taxiing.
- The pilot's focus on avoiding the aircraft parked to the right led to the oversight of the aircraft positioned to the left.
- The inherent design of the Z-226 MS tailwheel configuration creates a significant blind spot directly ahead of the cockpit.
- The pilot's taxiing maneuvers were in violation of regulation L2, which requires maintaining vigilance to avoid collisions with other traffic and property.