Incident Details
Two aircraft, a Cessna 172 (registration N5742T) and a Piper J3C-65 (registration N25973), were involved in a collision on a taxiway. The Cessna 172 was occupied by a student pilot and a flight instructor (CFI). The Piper J3C-65 was also occupied by a student pilot and a CFI. The Piper J3C-65 was not equipped with a radio.
Sequence of Events
According to the Cessna CFI, his aircraft began taxiing while the Piper was landing. The Cessna crew observed the Piper land and then turn onto the same taxiway they were using, but from the opposite direction. The Cessna was stopped on the edge of the taxiway with its right wheel just on the pavement to allow space for the Piper to pass. The Cessna CFI stated that the aircraft was stopped with the brakes applied for approximately 20 seconds before the collision.
The Piper, having no radio, was performing S-turns to see ahead. The CFI of the Piper reported that he had unbuckled his seatbelt and pulled himself up twice to look over the top of the dashboard but saw nothing ahead. The Cessna CFI stated that when the Piper was about 200 feet away, it turned as if to pass the Cessna. However, when it was about 50 feet away, it changed direction and collided with the Cessna.
Aftermath
Both aircraft received only minor damage. No further details about injuries or subsequent actions were provided.