Investigation number
199400538
Occurrence date
State
Northern Territory
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence category
Accident

As the pilot taxied his aircraft towards his normal parking place on the G.A. apron he was aware of an aircraft to his right parked next to the refuelling installation, and a refuelling tanker parked on the apron to his left. It is common to have tankers on the apron, although this tanker was parked further away than normal from the aircraft it was servicing. The pilot was concentrating on ensuring clearance from the parked aircraft to his right, and experienced sun glare when looking towards the tanker. Although the aircraft was taxiing on the centreline of the taxiway, the pilot realised too late that the left wingtip would not clear the tanker, and was unable to prevent a collision which damaged the wingtip and aileron.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Beech Aircraft Corp
Model
200
Registration
VH-WNH
Sector
Turboprop
Departure point
The Granites NT
Destination
Alice Springs NT
Damage
Substantial