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March 18, 1997 · Homebuilt RV-6 · N139TX

Lancaster, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 18, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lancaster, TX
Aircraft
Homebuilt RV-6
Tail Number
N139TX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
FTW97LA148

The Stinson L5, N57789, was taxiing inbound from a local flight, and the RV-6, N139TX, was taxiing outbound when the wing of Stinson contacted the turning propeller of RV-6. According to pilot statements, the pilot of Stinson did not have visual contact with RV-6 until after the collision. The pilot of RV-6 did have visual contact with Stinson at the last instant, and attempted an avoidance maneuver prior to the collision.

NTSB Probable Cause

Failure of the pilot of the Stinson L5, N57789, to see and avoid the RV-6, N139TX.

Full Narrative

On March 18, 1997, approximately 1515, central daylight time, a Stinson L5, N57789, collided with a homebuilt RV-6, N139TX, while both airplanes were taxiing at Lancaster Airport, Lancaster, Texas. The pilot of the Stinson, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane was sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The pilot of the RV-6, the sole occupant, was not injured and the airplane sustained minor damage to the propeller. Both aircraft were being operated under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The Stinson was taxiing inbound from a local flight and the RV-6 was taxiing outbound. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. In a written statement, the pilot of the Stinson reported that he had just landed on runway 31 after doing some landing pattern work. After rollout he taxied inbound onto the first turn off and noticed a Cessna on the next turn off, facing west. He stated that during his taxi he was "zig zagging" to maintain a visual lookout. While the aircraft was "angled to the right" and he was "looking to the left to see if the way was clear", he heard the words, "HE DOESN'T SEE YOU", and then heard the sound of a propeller contact his wing. After making eye contact with the aircraft that contacted his wing, he observed that it was a RV-6. He stated that, after the collision, he observed the RV-6 taxiing with its main landing gear on the asphalt, and tail wheel in the grass adjacent to the taxiway. In a written statement, the pilot of the RV-6 reported that he was taxiing south along the taxiway following a Cessna. He stated that the Cessna turned off onto the intersection "revealing an oncoming Stinson." Upon visually acquiring the Stinson, he "taxied to the far left side of the taxiway, thinking that the Stinson would surely see my aircraft, but he [the Stinson] continued in the opposite direction rapidly and unswervingly." He further stated that he "turned [the aircraft] a one-eight turn to the right with the hope of minimizing the oncoming damage." Subsequently, the wing of the Stinson "struck" the turning propeller of the RV-6, approximately 3-4 feet inboard from the wing tip, resulting in structural damage to the Stinson. According to the aforementioned statements by each of the pilots, both the RV-6 and the Stinson, were moving at the time of their contact. Note: Narrative for NTSB case file, FTW97LA148A, is identical to this narrative.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:15 CST
Nearest AirportLancaster Municipal (0nm)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHomebuilt RV-6
Tail NumberN139TX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-435C · Reciprocating · 185 | Lycoming · O-360-A4A · Reciprocating
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 54 · Second Class
Crew 2Age 64 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 15 kt
Visibility5 sm
CeilingOvercast 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data