Summary
On December 13, 2006, a Piper PA-28-161 (N970AC) was involved in an incident near Naples, FL. All 3 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The experimental airplane's pilot inadequate visual lookout while taxiing for takeoff, which resulted in an on-ground collision with a Piper airplane which was standing with its engine operating in the runup area.
The pilot of the N427RD, a John Lingwall model Rebich-Pitts, experimental amateur-built airplane, stated that he was taxiing his single place aerobatic tailwheel airplane south on taxiway A for departure on runway 5. He stated that he made clearing turns, and mentally noted that there were airplanes in the run-up area. He said he observed one airplane taxiing into position for takeoff on runway 5, and believing that he had accounted for all the airplanes, he continued to taxi. He said that his airplane's propeller struck the right wing of another airplane, and it was at that moment that he realized there was another airplane that had been hidden from his view.
This incident is documented in NTSB report MIA07LA026. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N970AC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The experimental airplane's pilot inadequate visual lookout while taxiing for takeoff, which resulted in an on-ground collision with a Piper airplane which was standing with its engine operating in the runup area.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the N427RD, a John Lingwall model Rebich-Pitts, experimental amateur-built airplane, stated that he was taxiing his single place aerobatic tailwheel airplane south on taxiway A for departure on runway 5. He stated that he made clearing turns, and mentally noted that there were airplanes in the run-up area. He said he observed one airplane taxiing into position for takeoff on runway 5, and believing that he had accounted for all the airplanes, he continued to taxi. He said that his airplane's propeller struck the right wing of another airplane, and it was at that moment that he realized there was another airplane that had been hidden from his view.
The flight instructor and student on N970AC, a Piper PA28-16, stated that they were stationary in the run-up area, and provided additional information which concurred with the pilot of the Pitts. Damage to the Pitts was minor, and the Piper incurred damage to its right wing spar.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# MIA07LA026