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July 19, 2025 · Nelson Douglas VANS RV-8 · N926DT

Hollister, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 19, 2025
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Hollister, CA
Aircraft
Nelson Douglas VANS RV-8 (2002)
Tail Number
N926DT
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
WPR25LA219

The pilot of the Cirrus reported that he was conducting the RNAV GPS runway 31 approach in visual conditions. While crossing the threshold of the runway he saw what he thought was a wing and he heard a loud bang. The airplane nosed over and impacted the runway. The pilot of the RV-8 reported that he taxied to the beginning of the runway, near the fire base [CAL FIRE hangars]. The pilot looked for traffic and did not see any. The pilot applied power, rotated and the airplane began to climb. When the airplane was about 50 to 100 ft above ground level, he saw something from below and on the right side, then experienced “the inflight collision.” The pilot then reduced power and landed on the remaining runway. A video, from an airplane on a taxiway, captured the infight collision between the Cirrus and RV-8 airplanes. White flashing lights were in view near the runway that were consistent with runway end identifier lights (REIL) for runway 31. The Cirrus was descending to a point beyond the relocated threshold. The RV-8 was airborne prior to the relocated threshold and while climbing, struck the empennage of the Cirrus. The Cirrus rapidly descended to the runway, which substantially damaged the fuselage and empennage. The RV-8 landed on the runway. Both pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures, with their respective airplanes, that would have precluded normal operations. According to 14 Code of Federal Regulations §91.113(g), “Landing. Aircraft, while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface…”

NTSB Probable Cause

The departing pilot’s failure to see and avoid the landing airplane during the takeoff, which resulted in a mid-air collision.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the Cirrus reported that he was conducting the RNAV GPS runway 31 approach in visual conditions. While crossing the threshold of the runway he saw what he thought was a wing and he heard a loud bang. The airplane nosed over and impacted the runway. The pilot of the RV-8 reported that he taxied to the beginning of the runway, near the fire base [CAL FIRE hangars]. The pilot looked for traffic and did not see any. The pilot applied power, rotated and the airplane began to climb. When the airplane was about 50 to 100 ft above ground level, he saw something from below and on the right side, then experienced “the inflight collision.” The pilot then reduced power and landed on the remaining runway. A video, from an airplane on a taxiway, captured the infight collision between the Cirrus and RV-8 airplanes. White flashing lights were in view near the runway that were consistent with runway end identifier lights (REIL) for runway 31. The Cirrus was descending to a point beyond the relocated threshold. The RV-8 was airborne prior to the relocated threshold and while climbing, struck the empennage of the Cirrus. The Cirrus rapidly descended to the runway, which substantially damaged the fuselage and empennage. The RV-8 landed on the runway. Both pilots reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures, with their respective airplanes, that would have precluded normal operations. According to 14 Code of Federal Regulations §91.113(g), “Landing. Aircraft, while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface…”

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:34 PDT
Nearest AirportHollister Municipal Airport (0nm N)
Runway31
Runway Length6350 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftNelson Douglas VANS RV-8
Tail NumberN926DT
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · IO-550-N · Reciprocating · 310 | Lycoming · IO360-A1B6 · Reciprocating · 200
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 35 · Third Class · Serious
Crew 2Age 77 · Unknown · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55 F
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time12:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data