Propeller Strike on Runway During Ground Operations

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

A Cessna 180 taxiing to runway 15 struck the empennage of a Cessna 152 in a shared run-up area. The pilot of the C-180 was not wearing required corrective lenses.

What happened

Ground control cleared Cessna 152 N757WV to taxi to runway 6. After relinquishing control to a full-performance controller, who was aware of the aircraft's location and destination, ground control then cleared a tailwheel-equipped Cessna 180 N2913C to taxi to runway 15. Runways 6 and 15 joined at their approach ends, sharing a common run-up area.

Upon entering the run-up area, the C-152 pilot stopped with the aircraft angled northeast and began a run-up. Meanwhile, the C-180 pilot taxied into the same area. Just before impact, the C-180 pilot saw the C-152 and applied brakes but could not stop in time. The propeller of the C-180 struck the empennage of the C-152. The C-180 came to rest nose-down.

Tower tapes indicated no traffic warning was issued by ground control. The C-180 pilot was not wearing required corrective lenses and was overdue for a medical review.

Probable cause

The pilot of the Cessna 180 failed to maintain visual lookout while taxiing, compounded by not wearing required corrective lenses.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-08-01 Cessna 180 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A Cessna 180 taxiing to runway 15 struck the empennage of a Cessna 152 in a shared run-up area. The pilot of the C-180 was not wearing required corrective lenses.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-08-01 involved a Cessna 180, registration N2913C, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot of the Cessna 180 failed to maintain visual lookout while taxiing, compounded by not wearing required corrective lenses.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34351. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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