N24SF

On September 21, 1998, at 0945 hours Pacific standard time, a Bognuda Livio IV Lancair, N805L, was substantially damaged when a Hawker Siddeley Sea Fury TMK 20, N24SF, taxied into its empennage while it was holding on the taxiway awaiting takeoff at the Reno Stead Airport, Reno, Nevada. The Sea Fury TMK 20 sustained no damage. No injuries were sustained by the private pilot and one passenger in the Lancair, or by the airline transport pilot of the Sea Fury TMK 20. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flights.

The pilot of the Lancair reported that he stopped on the taxiway about 500 to 600 feet from the runway end because the tower advised him of wake turbulence behind a military C-130 aircraft stopped on the taxiway in front of him. He remained stopped in that position for 5 to 10 minutes when, without warning the Sea Fury taxied into the empennage.

The pilot of the tail wheel equipped Sea Fury reported that he received clearance to taxi to runway 26. He saw the C-130 ahead but was never told of the presence of the smaller Lancair. The Reno air races had finished the previous day and several visiting military jets with their engines operating were also preparing to depart. The military jets were parked adjacent to the taxiway with their jet exhaust blowing across the taxiway, which made it difficult for the Sea Fury pilot to s-turn as he taxied behind them. The Sea Fury pilot reported he never saw the Lancair prior to the collision.