N120CC

On March 23, 1996, about 1620 central standard time a Piper J3C-65, N26046, and a Piper PA-28R-201, N120CC, collided while both airplanes were taxiing for takeoff at the John C. Tune Airport, Nashville, Tennessee. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Both pilots, and the three passengers of the Piper PA-28, were not injured. The J3 sustained substantial damage and the PA-28 had minor damage. Both flights were preparing to depart the airport at the time of the accident. The J3 and PA-28 were taxiing for takeoff onto the airport ramp area that funnels into taxiway R1. The pilot of the PA-28 stated that after entering the airport ramp area, he remained stationary. A preceding Cessna 172 had entered the R1 taxiway and met oncoming traffic. The 172 made a 180 degree turn to exit the R1 taxiway, back onto the ramp. When the pilot of the J3 observed the 172 turning around, he turned to the right to clear the taxiway-to-ramp throat. As the J3 turned, the propeller and left wing of each airplane contacted the left wing and propeller of the opposing airplane. The pilot of the J3 stated he did not see that the PA-28 had entered the ramp area, and was not able to stop the J3 before the collision.

The pilot of the J3 indicated his airplane did not experience any brake failure.