N733HC

On July 24, 1997, at 1045 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N94912, was standing with its engine operating when it was struck by a Cessna 172N, N733HC, that was taxiing for takeoff at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth, Texas. The Cessna 152 was registered to and operated by Qualiflight Aviation of Fort Worth, and the Cessna 172 was registered to and operated by Aer Mistral of Fort Worth. The Cessna 152 was substantially damaged, and the Cessna 172 sustained minor damage. There were no injuries to either of the solo student pilots. No flight plan was filed for either of the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local instructional flights, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Both flights were originating at the time of the accident.

According to the FAA inspector, who conducted an on scene investigation, the Cessna 172 was positioned behind the Cessna 152 in the runup area for runway 16L. The pilot of the Cessna 172 called the air traffic control tower and requested clearance for takeoff. He was cleared for an "immediate" takeoff and began to taxi forward. The left wing tip of the Cessna 172 contacted the rudder of the Cessna 152. Subsequently, the Cessna 172 pivoted left, and its propeller struck the right wing tip of the Cessna 152. Damage to the Cessna 172 was confined to the left fiberglass wing tip and the propeller. The rudder, vertical fin, right aileron, and outboard right wing of the Cessna 152 sustained structural damage.

In a written statement provided to the NTSB, the pilot of the Cessna 172 reported that his airplane was one of seven in the runup area. After completing his runup, he requested takeoff clearance from the tower and was "cleared for an immediate takeoff, as there was another aircraft who was on a 2 mile final." The pilot of the Cessna 172 further reported that he attempted to pass to the right of the Cessna 152, which "had started taxiing towards the runway." However, the Cessna 152 "stopped suddenly," and "[his] left wingtip hit its rudder."

In a written statement provided to the NTSB, the pilot of the Cessna 152 reported that he had "stopped" his airplane and was waiting to contact the tower for takeoff clearance when the Cessna 172's left wing "from behind struck [his] vertical fin."