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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

July 24, 1997 · Cessna 172N · N733HC

Fort Worth, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Fort Worth, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N733HC
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
FTW97LA281

As Cessna 172N, N733HC, was being taxied for takeoff, it collided with Cessna 152, N94912, that was standing with its engine operating. The Cessna 172 was initially positioned behind the Cessna 152 in the runup area. After completing his runup, the solo student pilot of the Cessna 172 contacted the tower and received clearance for an 'immediate' takeoff. He attempted to pass to the right of the Cessna 152; however, the left wing tip of the Cessna 172 contacted the rudder of the Cessna 152. Subsequently, the Cessna 172 pivoted left, and its propeller struck the right wing tip of the Cessna 152.

NTSB Probable Cause

failure of the pilot in the Cessna 172 to maintain clearance from the Cessna 152 aircraft.

Full Narrative

On July 24, 1997, at 1045 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N94912, was standing with its engine operating when it was struck by a Cessna 172N, N733HC, that was taxiing for takeoff at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, Fort Worth, Texas. The Cessna 152 was registered to and operated by Qualiflight Aviation of Fort Worth, and the Cessna 172 was registered to and operated by Aer Mistral of Fort Worth. The Cessna 152 was substantially damaged, and the Cessna 172 sustained minor damage. There were no injuries to either of the solo student pilots. No flight plan was filed for either of the Title 14 CFR Part 91 local instructional flights, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Both flights were originating at the time of the accident. According to the FAA inspector, who conducted an on scene investigation, the Cessna 172 was positioned behind the Cessna 152 in the runup area for runway 16L. The pilot of the Cessna 172 called the air traffic control tower and requested clearance for takeoff. He was cleared for an "immediate" takeoff and began to taxi forward. The left wing tip of the Cessna 172 contacted the rudder of the Cessna 152. Subsequently, the Cessna 172 pivoted left, and its propeller struck the right wing tip of the Cessna 152. Damage to the Cessna 172 was confined to the left fiberglass wing tip and the propeller. The rudder, vertical fin, right aileron, and outboard right wing of the Cessna 152 sustained structural damage. In a written statement provided to the NTSB, the pilot of the Cessna 172 reported that his airplane was one of seven in the runup area. After completing his runup, he requested takeoff clearance from the tower and was "cleared for an immediate takeoff, as there was another aircraft who was on a 2 mile final." The pilot of the Cessna 172 further reported that he attempted to pass to the right of the Cessna 152, which "had started taxiing towards the runway." However, the Cessna 152 "stopped suddenly," and "[his] left wingtip hit its rudder." In a written statement provided to the NTSB, the pilot of the Cessna 152 reported that he had "stopped" his airplane and was waiting to contact the tower for takeoff clearance when the Cessna 172's left wing "from behind struck [his] vertical fin."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:45 CDT
Nearest AirportFort Worth Meacham (0nm)
Runway16L
Runway Length7501 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN733HC
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 108 | Lycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 18 · Second Class
Crew 2Age 23 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time15:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data