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March 15, 2016 · Nakajima A6M2 Model 21 · N8280K

Midland, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 15, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Midland, TX
Aircraft
Nakajima A6M2 Model 21 (1941)
Tail Number
N8280K
Operator
Texas Flying Legends Museum
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN16CA126

The six-ship formation of vintage World War II airplanes had completed their run-ups on the taxiway and were preparing for departure. A departure clearance was received from air traffic control and the six-ship formation proceeded to the runway for takeoff. The Goodyear "Corsair" airplane was sixth in formation and trailing the Nakajima "Zero" airplane. These tailwheel airplanes required the pilots to taxi in an S-turn pattern due to the limited forward visibility. As the Corsair pilot proceeded with the S-turn taxi to the runway, the Corsair overtook the Zero and collided with its tail. The Zero spun right about 270 degrees and came to rest. The Corsair stopped quickly and its propeller impacted the taxiway. The Zero sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the Corsair sustained minor damage. The pilots conducted an accident debrief and determined that a lack of "vigilance" was to blame. Both pilots reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframes or engines that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring other aircraft-Pilot of other aircraft - C

Full Narrative

The six-ship formation of vintage World War II airplanes had completed their run-ups on the taxiway and were preparing for departure. A departure clearance was received from air traffic control and the six-ship formation proceeded to the runway for takeoff. The Goodyear "Corsair" airplane was sixth in formation and trailing the Nakajima "Zero" airplane. These tailwheel airplanes required the pilots to taxi in an S-turn pattern due to the limited forward visibility. As the Corsair pilot proceeded with the S-turn taxi to the runway, the Corsair overtook the Zero and collided with its tail. The Zero spun right about 270 degrees and came to rest. The Corsair stopped quickly and its propeller impacted the taxiway. The Zero sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the Corsair sustained minor damage. The pilots conducted an accident debrief and determined that a lack of "vigilance" was to blame. Both pilots reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframes or engines that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:50 CDT
Nearest AirportMidland Intl (0nm)
Runway34L
Runway Length9501 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNakajima A6M2 Model 21
Tail NumberN8280K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTexas Flying Legends Museum
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · R-1830-75 · Reciprocating · 1350 | Pratt & Whitney · R-2800 · Reciprocating · 2000
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 60 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 60 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 18 kt, gusting 37 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point14 C
Altimeter29.93 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data