N73134

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172MS/N: 17267281

Accident Details

Date
Friday, June 15, 2012
NTSB Number
ERA12CA416
Location
Churchville, MD
Event ID
20120627X01450
Coordinates
39.566665, -76.201385
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The tractor operator's failure to confirm the landing airplane's position before entering an active runway, which resulted in a ground collision.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17267281
Engine Type
4-cycle
Year Built
1976
Model / ICAO
172MC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172M

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HARBORSIDE AVIATION SERVICES INC
Address
27450 CHALLENGER BLVD STE 124
City
PUNTA GORDA
State / Zip Code
FL 33982-2567
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that he was preparing to land at the airport and made radio calls on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) to announce the airplane's position on the downwind, base, and final legs of the traffic pattern. While on the landing roll, as the airplane traveled over a crest in the runway, the pilot observed a tractor crossing the runway from left to right. The pilot steered the airplane to the right to avoid a collision, and the airplane's left wing contacted the tractor, resulting in substantial damage. The operator of the tractor stated that he heard the airplane's CTAF transmissions, but proceeded to cross because he assumed that the airplane was clear of the runway. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA416