N23927

On October 13, 1996, at 1640 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca C65, N23927, and an American AA-1 N5900L, collided on an uncontrolled sod airstrip near Angier, North Carolina. Both personal flights operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plans filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Both airplanes sustained substantial damage. The pilot of the Aeronca received serious injuries. The pilot of the American and the other two occupants of both airplanes received minor injuries. The Aeronca departed Raleigh, North Carolina at 1400. The American's exact departure point and departure time were not determined.

According to the Aeronca pilot, prior to the collision, he completed a full stop landing on runway 32, and was in the process of back taxiing on the active runway. The Aeronca pilot also stated that he conducted a series of "S" turns as he back taxied to gain better visibility over the nose of the airplane. The American AA-1 was on a takeoff roll from runway 32 when the Aeronca pilot saw the American. The Aeronca pilot executed a right turn in an attempt to avoid the collision. The American AA-1 collided with the left side of the Aeronca.

The American AA-1 Pilot stated that the runway surface is wide enough for both aircraft to operate from at the same time. He further stated that the common practice is to back taxi on the side of the runway, that leaves ample room for takeoffs and landings. Both pilots reported that the runway conditions were excellent, and the sod surface was dry.