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November 15, 2015 · Cessna 172 L · N4256Q

Greeley, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 15, 2015
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Greeley, CO
Aircraft
Cessna 172 L (1971)
Tail Number
N4256Q
Operator
Aims Community College
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA058

According to the pilot of tandem cockpit, tailwheel-equipped Piper airplane, which he was operating from the rear seat, while taxiing to the runway his forward visibility was diminished by his airplane's nose, requiring the use of "S" turns in order to clear the area in front of the airplane. He reported that a Cessna airplane was in front of his airplane, and taxiing to the runway as well. He remarked that he and the Cessna were holding on the taxiway momentarily in order to monitor and give way to arriving and departing traffic. He reported that the Cessna moved forward, and he followed, but while entering the "S" turn, he lost sight of the Cessna. He remarked that he abruptly applied the right brake in order to avoid a collision, and his left wing impacted the Cessna's rudder. The pilot of the Cessna reported that during his taxi to the runway, his airplane was struck from behind by the Piper airplane. Both pilots shut down their airplanes, assessed the damage and exchanged information. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to the rudder, while the Piper sustained minor damage to the left wing. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot of the following airplane failed to maintain adequate spacing during the taxi to the runway, resulting in a collision with the lead airplane.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot of tandem cockpit, tailwheel-equipped Piper airplane, which he was operating from the rear seat, while taxiing to the runway his forward visibility was diminished by his airplane's nose, requiring the use of "S" turns in order to clear the area in front of the airplane. He reported that a Cessna airplane was in front of his airplane, and taxiing to the runway as well. He remarked that he and the Cessna were holding on the taxiway momentarily in order to monitor and give way to arriving and departing traffic. He reported that the Cessna moved forward, and he followed, but while entering the "S" turn, he lost sight of the Cessna. He remarked that he abruptly applied the right brake in order to avoid a collision, and his left wing impacted the Cessna's rudder. The pilot of the Cessna reported that during his taxi to the runway, his airplane was struck from behind by the Piper airplane. Both pilots shut down their airplanes, assessed the damage and exchanged information. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to the rudder, while the Piper sustained minor damage to the left wing. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:00 MST
Nearest AirportGreeley-Weld County (0nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172 L
Tail NumberN4256Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorAims Community College
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150 | Cont Motor · C75-8F · Reciprocating · 75
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 68 · Sprt · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 27 C
Altimeter29.87 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data