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NTSB Report

September 20, 2024 · Beech S35 · N6027F

Watsonville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Watsonville, CA
Aircraft
Beech S35 (1965)
Tail Number
N6027F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
WPR24LA317

The pilot of the Yak-50 reported that he started taxiing from the airport transient area towards the active runway as the lead airplane for a formation training flight with three airplanes following behind. He remarked that there is no forward visibility in his tailwheel equipped airplane and typically completes S turns to improve his visibility. However, the pilot assumed the approaching run-up area was clear and was concerned that the airplane’s pneumatic system was low, so he decided not to perform any additional turns to conserve air. He traversed the intersecting runway and still did not accomplish an S turn because he was now distracted by the radio and still trying to conserve air. As he approached the engine run-up area he looked to the left and then looked to the right at which time he observed his right wingtip contact the propeller of the Beechcraft S35, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. According to the pilot of the Beechcraft S35, he had finished his engine run-up at the active runway and was waiting for airplanes to pass and takeoff before he departed. While configuring his radio for the flight he noticed movement on his left and observed the Yak-50 moving quickly. The Yak-50 did not follow the curve of the taxiway and its right wing impacted his airplane. The pilots of both airplanes reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that could have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The Yak-50 pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from another airplane while taxiing and maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s inattention due to a distraction inside the cockpit.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the Yak-50 reported that he started taxiing from the airport transient area towards the active runway as the lead airplane for a formation training flight with three airplanes following behind. He remarked that there is no forward visibility in his tailwheel equipped airplane and typically completes S turns to improve his visibility. However, the pilot assumed the approaching run-up area was clear and was concerned that the airplane’s pneumatic system was low, so he decided not to perform any additional turns to conserve air. He traversed the intersecting runway and still did not accomplish an S turn because he was now distracted by the radio and still trying to conserve air. As he approached the engine run-up area he looked to the left and then looked to the right at which time he observed his right wingtip contact the propeller of the Beechcraft S35, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. According to the pilot of the Beechcraft S35, he had finished his engine run-up at the active runway and was waiting for airplanes to pass and takeoff before he departed. While configuring his radio for the flight he noticed movement on his left and observed the Yak-50 moving quickly. The Yak-50 did not follow the curve of the taxiway and its right wing impacted his airplane. The pilots of both airplanes reported no preimpact mechanical anomalies or malfunctions that could have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:45 PDT
Nearest AirportWatsonville Muni (0.1nm SE)
Runway20
Runway Length4502 ft
Runway Width149 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBeech S35
Tail NumberN6027F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · IO-520-BB · Reciprocating · 285 | Vedeneyev · M-14PF · Reciprocating · 400
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 64 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 55 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data