Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT OF THE CHRISTEN EAGLE II, N246RL, TO SEE AND AVOID THE CESSNA 172, N62463, AND THE PILOT OF THE CHRISTEN EAGLE II DIVERTING HIS ATTENTION FROM OPERATION OF HIS AIRPLANE.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On May 31, 1994, approximately 0855 mountain daylight time (MDT), a Latter Christen Eagle II, N246RL, collided with a Cessna 172, N62463, in the run-up area for runway 18 at Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyoming. The private pilot in the Eagle was not injured, but the certified flight instructor and his student in the 172 received minor injuries. The Eagle sustained substantial damage, and the 172 sustained minor damage. At the time of the accident, both aircraft were preparing to depart in visual meteorological conditions. Neither pilot had filed a flight plan, and there was no report of an ELT activation.
According to the pilot of the Eagle, he had looked into the cockpit while taxiing in order to check his mixture setting. When he looked back up, he realized he was heading for a Cessna 172 that was parked in the run-up area preparing for departure. He was unable to stop his aircraft in time to keep both of the right wings of his aircraft from impacting the 172.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA94LA130