N4256Q

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172S/N: 17260156

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 15, 2015
NTSB Number
GAA16CA058
Location
Greeley, CO
Event ID
20151123X43413
Coordinates
40.437500, -104.633331
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot of the following airplane failed to maintain adequate spacing during the taxi to the runway, resulting in a collision with the lead airplane.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17260156
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1971
Model / ICAO
172C172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172L

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BURNHAM CESSNA N4256Q LLC
Address
6932 COUNTY ROAD 110
City
CARR
State / Zip Code
CO 80612-8908
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot of tandem cockpit, tailwheel-equipped Piper airplane, which he was operating from the rear seat, while taxiing to the runway his forward visibility was diminished by his airplane's nose, requiring the use of "S" turns in order to clear the area in front of the airplane. He reported that a Cessna airplane was in front of his airplane, and taxiing to the runway as well. He remarked that he and the Cessna were holding on the taxiway momentarily in order to monitor and give way to arriving and departing traffic. He reported that the Cessna moved forward, and he followed, but while entering the "S" turn, he lost sight of the Cessna. He remarked that he abruptly applied the right brake in order to avoid a collision, and his left wing impacted the Cessna's rudder.

The pilot of the Cessna reported that during his taxi to the runway, his airplane was struck from behind by the Piper airplane. Both pilots shut down their airplanes, assessed the damage and exchanged information. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to the rudder, while the Piper sustained minor damage to the left wing.

Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA16CA058