N1562A

Substantial
None

PIPER PA 20S/N: 20-768

Accident Details

Date
Monday, December 18, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA18CA087
Location
Willow, AK
Event ID
20171218X80727
Coordinates
61.751945, -150.053054
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The other pilot’s failure to see and avoid another airplane parked on the taxiway while taxiing in sun glare conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
20-768
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
PA 20M600
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
PA-20

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HANSEN JENS I
Address
512 SHERIDAN RD
City
ARROYO GRANDE
State / Zip Code
CA 93420-5830
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the Piper airplane reported that, while taxiing from the runway to his tie-down space, he was taxiing "into the sun". He added that, before he could react, he struck the tail of a Maule airplane, which was stopped on the taxiway.

The pilot of the Maule airplane reported to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he was planning to depart and had stopped on the taxiway to put on his seat belt, when his airplane was struck from behind.

The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut; the Maule sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

The Piper and Maule pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded 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# GAA18CA087