Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary DEN07LA074

Pueblo, CO, USA

Aircraft #1

N12KY

North American SNJ-5

Aircraft #2

N39810

Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 Twin Astir

Analysis

A North American SNJ-5 tailwheel warbird airplane, was taxiing on the ramp after landing. The pilot was using S-turns as he taxied, in an attempt to see ahead of the airplane's large engine and cowling. While taxiing, the pilot of the warbird failed to see a stationary and occupied motor glider. The warbird's right wheel ran over the wing of the motor glider, resulting in minor damage to the warbird, and substantial damage to the motor glider.

Factual Information

On March 13, 2007 approximately 1615 mountain daylight time, a North American SNJ-5, N12KY, piloted by an airline transport certificated pilot, sustained minor damage when it collided with a Burkhart Grob Flugzeugbau G103 Twin Astir, N39810, piloted by a commercial pilot, while taxiing from landing at Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB), Pueblo, Colorado. The Grob, which was stationary but with its engine running, was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. Both flights were personal and were being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilots on board both airplanes were not injured. The flight of the SNJ-5 originated at 1445 from Centennial Airport (APA), Englewood, Colorado. The flight of the Grob had not yet originated. According to the pilot of the SNJ-5, he landed on runway 8L. He exited the runway on taxiway Echo, merged onto taxiway Foxtrot, and taxied south across runway 8R and onto the ramp. From there, he taxied southwest towards taxiway Alpha and some private hangars, located in the southwest corner of the ramp. The pilot used S-turns as he taxied. The SNJ-5's right wheel ran over the right wing of the Grob. The SNJ-5 sustained minor damage to its right wing tip, leading edge and right aileron. According to the pilot of the Grob, he had stopped and was obtaining taxi clearance and ATIS information when the SNJ-5's main landing gear rolled over his right wing. Damage to the Grob included a broken right wing spar. The outer portion of the right wing and the leading edge of the vertical stabilizer were crushed. The wooden propeller of the motor glider was also damaged.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot of the North American SNJ-5 warbird's inadequate visual lookout while taxiing, resulting in an on-ground collision with the stationary Grob motor glider.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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