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Taxiing Incident Involving Piper PA-24 and N7545P (N70108)

Grand Prairie, TX, US

On April 25, 1982, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N70108) operated by Jessie Sims was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Prairie, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid a parked aircraft while taxiing, compounded by inadequate maneuvering technique that limited his view of the taxiway edge. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot's right wing struck the propeller of a parked Piper PA-24 (N7545P) while taxiing to the run-up area. The pilot later noted that sharper S-turns during the maneuver might have revealed the stationary aircraft sooner, potentially preventing the contact.

What happened

During routine ground operations, a pilot was taxiing toward the designated engine run-up area at an airport. While navigating the taxiway, the right wing of his aircraft made contact with the propeller of a Piper PA-24 (N7545P). This second aircraft was positioned stationary at the edge of the taxiway.

The pilot later reflected on the maneuvering technique used during the approach to the run-up area. He concluded that if he had executed sharper S-turns while taxiing, his line of sight would have improved. This adjustment would likely have allowed him to spot the parked Piper PA-24 (N7545P) earlier and bring his aircraft to a stop before the collision occurred.

The investigation

The incident was examined based on the pilot's account of the taxiing maneuver and the position of the stationary aircraft. No mechanical failures or weather conditions were cited as contributing factors. The primary focus remained on the visibility and positioning during the ground movement phase.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a parked aircraft while taxiing, compounded by inadequate maneuvering technique that limited his view of the taxiway edge.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1982 Piper J3C-65 accident near Grand Prairie, TX?

A pilot's right wing struck the propeller of a parked Piper PA-24 (N7545P) while taxiing to the run-up area. The pilot later noted that sharper S-turns during the maneuver might have revealed the stationary aircraft sooner, potentially preventing the contact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1982 involved a Piper J3C-65, registration N70108, operated by Jessie Sims, at Grand Prairie, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to see and avoid a parked aircraft while taxiing, compounded by inadequate maneuvering technique that limited his view of the taxiway edge.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02115. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.