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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 18, 2016 · Jerant Frank Mong Jerant Ra · N777FJ

Reno, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Reno, NV
Aircraft
Jerant Frank Mong Jerant Ra (2002)
Tail Number
N777FJ
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA517

The pilots of two biplanes involved in a collision on a runway during landing, reported that they were landing after competing in a National Championship Biplane Gold Race. The pilot of the Mong reported that he had seen the Pitts biplane ahead of him in the pattern, followed him through his base and final approach legs, and witnessed the Pitts land on the runway. The pilot of the Mong further reported that his biplane had bounced during his initial touchdown on the runway and he added power to correct for the discrepancy and to land in a three-point attitude. The pilot of the Mong reported that he had lost sight of the Pitts biplane during the landing and did not see it again until the impact. The Mong's right wing struck the Pitt's left wing. The Mong spun 180 degrees and slid backwards for 100 yards, during which time the tailwheel snapped in half, and the Pitts was also spun around on the runway. The pilot of the Pitts biplane reported that he had landed and started a right turn off of the runway onto the taxiway when his airplane was struck from behind on its left wing. Both biplanes received substantial damage. Both of the biplane pilots reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with their airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the Mong also reported that he never heard a call on the radio to go around due to the spacing between the two landing biplanes. Currently the race organizers are looking into a revised recovery procedure to ensure that runways are declared clear before subsequent aircraft touchdown on the runway surface.

NTSB Probable Cause

The other pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation and visual lookout during landing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the airplane ahead of it on the runway.

Full Narrative

The pilots of two biplanes involved in a collision on a runway during landing, reported that they were landing after competing in a National Championship Biplane Gold Race. The pilot of the Mong reported that he had seen the Pitts biplane ahead of him in the pattern, followed him through his base and final approach legs, and witnessed the Pitts land on the runway. The pilot of the Mong further reported that his biplane had bounced during his initial touchdown on the runway and he added power to correct for the discrepancy and to land in a three-point attitude. The pilot of the Mong reported that he had lost sight of the Pitts biplane during the landing and did not see it again until the impact. The Mong's right wing struck the Pitt's left wing. The Mong spun 180 degrees and slid backwards for 100 yards, during which time the tailwheel snapped in half, and the Pitts was also spun around on the runway. The pilot of the Pitts biplane reported that he had landed and started a right turn off of the runway onto the taxiway when his airplane was struck from behind on its left wing. Both biplanes received substantial damage. Both of the biplane pilots reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with their airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot of the Mong also reported that he never heard a call on the radio to go around due to the spacing between the two landing biplanes. Currently the race organizers are looking into a revised recovery procedure to ensure that runways are declared clear before subsequent aircraft touchdown on the runway surface.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:35 PDT
Nearest AirportReno/Stead (1nm SE)
Runway08
Runway Length7608 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftJerant Frank Mong Jerant Ra
Tail NumberN777FJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A16CD · Reciprocating | Lycoming · O&OV-360 SER · Reciprocating · 180
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 35 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 27 C
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time15:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data