What happened
On 16 October 2011, a Vans RV-6, registration G-ORVG, was taxiing at Biggin Hill Airport in Kent following a private flight. After completing customs formalities at the terminal, the pilot received clearance to taxi toward the aircraft's hangar via the Link taxiway intersection.
As the aircraft proceeded south along Taxiway A, the pilot observed an airfield security vehicle emerging from the vegetation surrounding the fire training area. The vehicle crossed a connecting roadway and entered the active taxiway without stopping at the double white lines. To prevent a collision with the approaching vehicle, the pilot applied heavy braking. This sudden deceleration caused the tail of the aircraft to pitch upward and then strike the ground with significant force, stopping approximately 10 feet from the security vehicle. The impact resulted in damage to the tail wheel and the surrounding airframe structure. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger on board.
The investigation
Following the incident, the airfield operator conducted an inquiry into the circumstances of the near-collision. The investigation focused on the movement of the security vehicle and the visibility conditions at the time of the event. Investigators determined that the driver of the security vehicle was traveling toward the setting sun, which significantly obscured their field of vision. Furthermore, the investigation established that the driver failed to halt at the designated white lines before entering the taxiway. At the time of the occurrence, there was no operational requirement for vehicles exiting the fire training area to seek clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) before entering Taxiway A.
Findings
- The driver's vision was impaired by the glare of the setting sun.
- The security vehicle failed to stop at the prescribed double white lines.
- The driver entered the taxiway without verifying that the path was clear.
- No regulatory requirement existed for vehicles exiting the fire training area to contact ATC for permission to enter the taxiway.