Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot of N230MP inadequate visual lookout while landing on a runway occupied by another known aircraft. A factor in the accident was the procedure to allow simultaneous landings by aircraft on the same runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On September 13, 1996, at 0915 hours Pacific daylight time, two Pitts S-1S aircraft, N230MP and N15HR, collided after landing on runway 26 at the Reno-Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage and neither pilot was injured. The airplanes were participating in the Reno Air Races and had completed a biplane class heat race under a waiver approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.
The pilot of N230MP indicated that he observed N15HR about 0.25 miles ahead of his position while on final approach to the runway. He said N15HR touched down on the right side of the runway and he planned to touch down on the left side. The pilot of N230MP then indicated he lost sight of N15HR while his airplane was floating during the landing flare. A few seconds after a three point touchdown the pilot saw N15HR on his right side and was unable to avoid the collision.
The pilot of N15HR indicated after the landing roll she turned left while taxiing about 5 miles per hour to exit the runway and was struck from behind. The pilot of N15HR also indicated before she turned left she cleared left and did not see any other airplane on the runway.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX96LA336