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NTSB Report

August 17, 2004 · Piper PA-28-151 · N6816J

Philadelphia, PA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 17, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-151
Tail Number
N6816J
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC04LA194

The pilot of the Piper contacted the ground controller and was cleared to taxi from the ramp area, to the active runway. The pilot of RV-6A also contacted the ground controller from the same ramp area, and was instructed to follow the Piper to the active runway. The RV-6A pilot looked out his left window and directly ahead, and did not observe the Piper. As the RV-6A began to taxi, the propeller struck the left wing of the Piper as it passed in front of the RV-6A from the right.

NTSB Probable Cause

The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of RV-6A and his failure to maintain clearance while taxiing, which resulted in an on-ground collision with the Piper.

Full Narrative

On August 17, 2004, at 0831 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151, N6816J, was substantially damaged when it was struck by another airplane, a homebuilt RV-6A, N181A, while both airplanes were taxing at the North Philadelphia Airport (PNE), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The RV-6A received minor damage during the collision. There were no injuries to either the certificated commercial pilot of the Piper, or the certificated commercial pilot of the RV-6A. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane. Both airplanes were on local flights conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot of the Piper, he had contacted the ground controller and was cleared to taxi from the Jet Center ramp area, to runway 24. Shortly afterwards, the pilot heard the pilot of the RV-6A contact the ground controller. The RV-6A pilot was instructed to taxi to runway 24 and that he would be taxiing behind another airplane. As the Piper pilot continued to taxi, he passed the RV-6A, which subsequently taxied into the left wing of the Piper. According to the RV-6A pilot, he contacted the ground controller to request taxi instructions, and was instructed to taxi to runway 24, following a Piper. The RV-6A pilot looked out his left window and directly ahead, and did not observe the Piper. As the RV-6A began to taxi, the propeller struck the left wing of the Piper as it passed in front of the RV-6A from the right.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:31 EDT
Nearest AirportNortheast Philadelphia Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-151
Tail NumberN6816J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150 | Lycoming · O-360 · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 73 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind40° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time12:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data