General aviation instructor and trainee reported a near miss when lined up on the runway for takeoff at a non-towered airport; observed another aircraft on final approach behind them. The instructor maneuvered the aircraft off the runway into a non-movement area and stuck a fence with the wingtip.
Synopsis
General aviation instructor and trainee reported a near miss when lined up on the runway for takeoff at a non-towered airport; observed another aircraft on final approach behind them. The instructor maneuvered the aircraft off the runway into a non-movement area and stuck a fence with the wingtip.
Narrative
This was an IFR training flight with my instructor; with a VFR departure from ZZZ to DED. After arrival; we joined the left downwind for Runway 5 and later taxied back for another departure at approximately XA:50. While preparing for takeoff; I monitored ADS-B traffic on my iPad and observed one aircraft on final approach; along with other aircraft calling in the pattern. No aircraft were behind the one on final or turning base at that time. We confirmed the traffic visually and with ADS-B and decided to line up and wait on Runway 5 after the final approach aircraft landed. Once that aircraft touched down; it continued taxiing down the full length of the runway without exiting; which delayed our departure. Meanwhile; another aircraft entered the pattern using right traffic and sounded rushed on the radio. As I continued to monitor the first aircraft still taxiing on the runway; my instructor received a red warning on her ADS-B display indicating that the aircraft was very low on final and potentially unaware that we were still on the runway. The pilot of the aircraft did not make any go-around call or advisory. To avoid a potential runway conflict; my instructor quickly took control and turned off the runway using the nearest available exit; which was an unpaved area to the left side of Runway 5. Since Taxiway B was farther away and had several aircraft lined up for departure; this unpaved path appeared to be the quickest safe exit. While making a 180-degree turn to reposition at the hold short line; the aircraft's right wingtip struck a nearby parking fence. The fence was located very close to the edge of the unpaved surface. My instructor was focused on the left side to ensure clearance; and we did not notice the right wingtip's proximity. We immediately shut down the engine and safely exited the aircraft. Neither of us was injured. The aircraft sustained damage to the right plastic wingtip fairing; the fence had no visible damage. The decision to exit the runway was made in good faith to prevent a possible runway conflict. However; better awareness of ground obstacles in the unpaved area could have prevented the wingtip strike.
Second reporter narrative
We departed ZZZ under VFR for the purpose of instrument training. The flight to DED was uneventful. Upon arrival; Runway 05 was in use. We conducted a full-stop landing followed by a taxi-back for another departure.While preparing for a northbound departure from Runway 05; we observed another fixed-wing aircraft on the left downwind; turning left base to final for the same runway. We maintained visual contact with that aircraft throughout its approach and landing. After it touched down and continued its rollout; we scanned for other traffic; heard no additional calls on CTAF; saw no ADS-B targets in the vicinity; and determined it was safe to taxi into position. We broadcasted our intention and entered the runway in a line-up-and-wait position. While holding on Runway 05; we heard a radio call from an aircraft reporting a right base to final for Runway 05. This aircraft had not previously made any position reports and was not following the standard left-hand traffic pattern for DED. Shortly after the call; my ADS-B system displayed a target descending through approximately 300 feet MSL on short final for Runway 05; continuing descent directly toward our position. Another pilot on frequency advised the aircraft that DED operates with a standard left-hand traffic pattern. Concerned about the risk of a runway incursion or potential mid-air collision; I made the immediate decision to abort our planned takeoff and vacate the runway. I executed a left turn onto the nearest available exit; which led into a non-movement area north of Runway 05.While attempting a 180-degree turn in that area; I focused on Aircraft Y to ensure safe separation. During the turn; the right wingtip of our aircraft contacted a perimeter fence; resulting in damage to the right wingtip.There were no injuries; and the aircraft was safely shut down and secured following the incident.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.