The commercial pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 biplane was in the run-up pad adjacent to the taxiway at the airport in Naples, Florida.
He had just completed his pre-takeoff checks, and was attempting to taxi into position to hold for takeoff.
The private pilot of a Mooney M20 was already stopped at the hold short line of the departure runway.
As the biplane pilot taxied out of the run-up pad he performed several s-turn maneuvers and looked out the side of the cockpit to increase his limited forward visibility, but did not see the low-wing airplane.
The biplane hit the Mooney, striking the right wing and aileron with the operating propeller, which resulted in substantial damage to the low-wing airplane.
Probable Cause: The biplane pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an on-ground collision with another airplane while taxiing.
To download the final report. Click here. This will trigger a PDF download to your device.
This February 2022 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.
Well, the Biplane’s prop and spinner and cowl… ‘look a little worse for the wear’. Not so-much the Mooney’s rt wing. I hope it isn’t written-off.
This reminds me of the demise of Pete Garrison’s Melmoth 1… except his aircraft was run-over from behind… getting chopped-to bits up to the aft cabin/baggage area… total loss. Thankfully the non-injury accident spurred Peter to design/build Melmoth2. PS: note that there are some John Thorp inspired design elements.
Not the first time. Won’t be the last. Poor spatial awareness?
It says “As the biplane pilot taxied out of the run-up pad he performed several s-turn maneuvers and looked out the side of the cockpit to increase his limited forward visibility, but did not see the low-wing airplane.” What more could he do?
Regards/J
Lots, apparently.
Maybe look outside and notice the Mooney taxiing past up to the hold-short line.?
And…this is a towered airport. Did he not hear the ground controller clear the Mooney to the hold short line ?
Or, did he ignore the radio, or have it turned down.?