BOEING PT-13B

Santa Rosa, CA — July 31, 2010

Event Information

DateJuly 31, 2010
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR10CA382
Event ID20100803X25950
LocationSanta Rosa, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates38.50528, -122.80778
AirportCharles M Schulz-Sonoma County
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeBOEING
ModelPT-13B
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageMINR

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The failure of the pilot of another airplane to maintain clearance while taxiing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a Boeing PT-13B Stearman reported that after conducting maintenance on his airplane, he taxied to the run-up area to conduct an engine run-up. With the airplane being a tailwheel typed configuration, he made continuous S-turns to ensure visibility ahead of his position. While approaching the run-up area, during a turn to the right he observed an airplane on the runway. He reported that it was “clear” in front of the airplane and he continued his S-turn to the left. During the turn, the Stearman collided with a Cessna 172M. The pilot of the Stearman stated that he did not see the Cessna prior to that final turn when he saw its empennage.

The pilot of the Cessna 172M stated that he was stopped in the run-up area conducting a run-up when he looked to the left and observed the Stearman adjacent to the end of the Cessna’s left wing. He stated that the Stearman taxied forward and the propeller struck the left wing resulting in substantial damage. Neither pilot reported mechanical failures or malfunctions with their respective airplane’s airframe or engine prior to the accident.
The pilot of a Boeing PT-13B Stearman reported that after conducting maintenance on his airplane, he taxied to the run-up area to conduct an engine run-up. With the airplane being a tailwheel typed configuration, he made continuous S-turns to ensure visibility ahead of his position. While approaching the run-up area, during a turn to the right he observed an airplane on the runway. He reported that it was “clear” in front of the airplane and he continued his S-turn to the left. During the turn, the Stearman collided with a Cessna 172M. The pilot of the Stearman stated that he did not see the Cessna prior to that final turn when he saw its empennage.

The pilot of the Cessna 172M stated that he was stopped in the run-up area conducting a run-up when he looked to the left and observed the Stearman adjacent to the end of the Cessna’s left wing. He stated that the Stearman taxied forward and the propeller struck the left wing resulting in substantial damage. Neither pilot reported mechanical failures or malfunctions with their respective airplane’s airframe or engine prior to the accident.

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.

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