What happened
On 13 November 2011, a ground collision occurred at Popham Airfield, Hampshire, involving a Zlin Z.526F Trener Master, registration G-PCDP, and an Ikarulent C42 FB80, registration G-CDVI.
The incident took place during taxiing operations. The pilot of the G-CDVI had recently landed on Runway 08 and was performing a 180-degree turn to enter the parallel taxiway. During this maneuver, the pilot observed the G-PCDP taxiing from its parking area toward the taxiway, positioned several meters ahead of the aircraft. The pilot of the G-CDVI continued the turn, expecting the other aircraft to yield the right of way.
As the G-CDVI completed the turn onto the taxiway, the pilot observed that the G-PCDP was positioned directly in front of the aircraft. Due to the proximity, the pilot was unable to stop in time, causing the propeller of the G-PCDP to strike the right wing of the G-CDVI. The impact caused the G-PCDP to yaw to the right, leading its left wing to strike the tail section of the G-CDVI.
The investigation
Investigators reviewed aircraft accident report forms submitted by both pilots. The investigation established the relative movements of both aircraft and the visibility conditions at the time of the collision. It was noted that the pilot of the G-PCDP had observed the G-CDVI approaching from the left while taxiing toward the taxiway. The investigation also considered the cockpit visibility of the G-PCDP pilot, noting that the forward view was naturally restricted by the aircraft's design and further complicated by the position of the sun on the day of the event.