Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The passing pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from the airplane that he was attempting to pass during taxi operations. Contributing to the accident was the passing pilot's distraction due to looking at his on-board navigation device while attempting to pass the other airplane.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to a representative of the flight school, both airplanes were operated single pilot, by pilot rated students performing separate pilot in command skills building training flights. Both airplanes landed at the same airport after a short cross-country flight. Following a short break, the pilots entered their respective airplanes and taxied to the runway. The pilot in the lead airplane pulled to the right side of the taxiway to allow the following airplane to pass. The pilot of the following airplane was looking at his onboard navigation device as he attempted to pass on the left side of the lead airplane, and his right wing struck the left wing of the lead airplane.
Both pilots shut down their airplanes, exited and assessed the damage. Both pilots determined that the damage was inconsequential and departed for the next leg of their training flight.
Further examination by the flight school's maintenance department, revealed that substantial damage was sustained to the left wing aileron of the stationary airplane, and to three right-wing ribs of the passing airplane.
Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures 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# GAA19CA346