This May 2008 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Travel Air 4000, Cessna 206. Injuries: None. Location: Hollister, Calif. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The two airplanes were on the ground at a non-towered municipal airport. The Travel Air was taxiing in after landing on runway 31, and the Cessna was standing with its engine operating on the ramp. According to the pilot of the Travel Air, he taxied off of runway 31 onto taxiway B. As he taxied toward the parking ramp, he started a clearing “S” turn and observed the Cessna directly in front of him. He turned hard to the left, but the outer two feet of the Travel Air’s lower right wing passed through the propeller arc of the Cessna. A piece of the Travel Air’s lower right wing was cut off.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain physical clearance from the other airplane while taxiing.
For more information: NTSB.gov
