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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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July 28, 2017 · Randall Marvin L VANS RV 3A Undesignat · N16MR

Spokane, WA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 2017
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Spokane, WA
Aircraft
Randall Marvin L VANS RV 3A Undesignat (1988)
Tail Number
N16MR
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA458

The pilots reported that, following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes and while taxiing to park, the lead airplane pilot reduced power to idle, and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side and continue to park. As the second airplane taxied past, the third airplane followed. The pilots added that the third airplane's pilot had limited forward visibility due to the airplane's nose attitude and that the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the third airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, which resulted in the third airplane's right wing and propeller colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator and the third airplane's propeller striking the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The other pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance and visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the stationary airplane.

Full Narrative

Following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes, the pilots reported that, while taxing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side, and continue to parking. As the 2nd airplane taxied past, the 3rd airplane followed. The pilots added that, the 3rd airplane had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane, and the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the 3rd airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, resulting in the 3rd airplane's right-wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator, and the propeller from the 3rd airplane struck the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 PDT
Nearest AirportFairchild Afb (0nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRandall Marvin L VANS RV 3A Undesignat
Tail NumberN16MR
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsSuperior · SLO-320-A1XC2 · Reciprocating · 160 | Lycoming · AEIO-L-320EIB · Reciprocating · 160
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 51 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 55 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 6 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time19:58
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data