Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary NYC04LA030

Wooster, OH, USA

Aircraft #1

N66748

Cessna 150M

Aircraft #2

N6091G

Cessna 150K

Analysis

A Cessna 150K and 150M were in the traffic pattern, while a third airplane was conducting an instrument approach to the airport. The student pilot of the 150M stated that as she was on the downwind leg, she observed an airplane in front of her. As she turned onto the base leg, she extended the leg to space her airplane from the airplane in front of her. The student pilot then observed the airplane land, and continued the approach. Upon touching down on the runway, the student pilot's airplane struck the tail of the 150K that was on the runway. The student pilot recalled that she had announced all of her positions during the traffic pattern on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency; however, mistook the airplane which was conducting the instrument approach as the landing airplane.

Factual Information

On November 9, 2003, at 1530 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150M, N66748, was not damaged when it collided with another airplane, a Cessna 150K, N6091G, while landing at the Wayne County Airport (BJJ), Wooster, Ohio. The Cessna 150K, which was taking off, was substantially damaged during the collision. There were no injuries to the student pilot of the Cessna 150M, or the certified flight instructor (CFI) and student pilot aboard the Cessna 150K. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane. Both airplanes were on local instructional flights, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the CFI aboard the Cessna 150K, he and his student pilot entered the pattern for runway 10 at a 45-degree angle, on a crosswind leg. While on the downwind leg, the CFI heard another airplane announce on the CTAF that he was on the "VOR 10 approach." Abeam the approach end of the runway, the CFI heard the other airplane announce on the CTAF that it would fly straight to the runway, and perform a touch and go. With the other airplane in sight, the CFI announced on the CTAF that he was on "base," and turned to follow the other airplane. After turning onto the final approach leg, the CFI announced his position on the CTAF. The airplane ahead completed its touch and go, and while the CFI was on short final, he heard a third airplane announce on the CTAF it was on the base leg for runway 10. After touching down about 800-1,000 feet beyond the approach end of the runway, the CFI commented to his student, "I hope she saw us." As power was added for takeoff, the CFI heard a loud bang and felt the airplane shutter. The CFI aborted the takeoff and departed the runway onto a taxiway, where he observed damage to the right elevator. According to the student pilot of the Cessna 150M, she stated that she was on the downwind leg for runway 10, and observed an airplane in front of her. As she turned onto the base leg, she extended the leg to space her airplane from the airplane that was in front of her. The student pilot then observed the airplane land, and continued the approach. Upon touching down on the runway, the student pilot's airplane struck the tail of another airplane (the 150K) that was on the runway. The student pilot recalled that she had announced all of her positions during the traffic pattern on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), and mistook the first airplane as the landing airplane; however, that airplane was not in the traffic pattern.

Probable Cause and Findings

The inadequate visual lookout of the student pilot of the Cessna 150M, which resulted in an on-ground collision with a Cessna 150K that was taking off.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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