AAIB investigation to Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee Archer II, G-BPAY
Collision with a parked aircraft while taxiing, White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire, 29 December 2016.
Summary:
After landing and while taxiing between two rows of parked aircraft, the aircraft’s left wingtip struck the propeller spinner of another, unoccupied PA-28. The pilot believed glare from the low sun contributed towards his misjudgement of the clearance between his wingtip and the other aircraft. He also noted that, although the lines of aircraft were far enough apart for his aircraft to pass, they were closer together than was usual at this airfield.
The airfield operator reported that the distance between the rows of aircraft was varied, when the ground was soft, to prevent some surface areas becoming more worn than others.
Safety action
Since the accident the airfield operator has changed its procedures to reduce the need for parallel rows of parked aircraft and therefore lessen the risk of ground collisions.
Download report: