Casualties unknown

Instructional Flight Collision on Final Approach (N42XX)

Chandler, AZ, US

On November 6, 1985, an Aerotek PITTS S-2A (registration N42XX) operated by Chandler Air Service, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor failed to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a dual instructional flight, a CFI failed to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern, leading to a collision when the CFI's aircraft flared on top of the aircraft that had just touched down.

Incident Overview

During a dual instructional flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) was simultaneously looking for traffic and monitoring the student's performance. The CFI failed to observe another aircraft that was ahead in the traffic pattern. That aircraft was at a lower altitude and on short final approach for the same runway on which the CFI intended to land.

Collision Sequence

The CFI's aircraft flared for landing on top of the aircraft that had just touched down, resulting in a collision between the two aircraft.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident is the CFI's failure to observe an aircraft ahead in the traffic pattern.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38261. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.