MAULE MX7
Willow, AK — December 18, 2017
Event Information
| Date | December 18, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA087 |
| Event ID | 20171218X80727 |
| Location | Willow, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.75195, -150.05305 |
| Airport | WILLOW |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | MAULE |
| Model | MX7 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to see and avoid another airplane stopped on the taxiway while taxiing in sun glare conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the Piper airplane reported that, while taxiing from the runway to his tie-down space, he was taxiing "into the sun". He added that, before he could react, he struck the tail of a Maule airplane, which was stopped on the taxiway.
The pilot of the Maule airplane reported to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he was planning to depart and had stopped on the taxiway to put on his seat belt, when his airplane was struck from behind.
The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut; the Maule sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The Piper and Maule pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot of the Piper airplane reported that, while taxiing from the runway to his tie-down space, he was taxiing "into the sun". He added that, before he could react, he struck the tail of a Maule airplane, which was stopped on the taxiway.
The pilot of the Maule airplane reported to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector that he was planning to depart and had stopped on the taxiway to put on his seat belt, when his airplane was struck from behind.
The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing lift strut; the Maule sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
The Piper and Maule pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.