Taxiway Collision Between Two Cessna Tailwheel Aircraft

Casualties unknown • Anchorage, AK, US

A Cessna 185 and a Cessna 180 collided on a taxiway due to limited visibility and controller distraction. The incident resulted in minor propeller damage to one aircraft and substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer of the other.

What happened

The pilots of Cessna 185 N1802R and Cessna 180 N9418C received clearance from ground control to taxi to runway 32 via taxiway N. Both aircraft were equipped with conventional tailwheel landing gear. As the Cessna 185 proceeded along taxiway N, the pilot of the Cessna 180 taxied onto the same taxiway in front of the Cessna 185 and from the right side of the taxiway.

The pilot of the Cessna 185 reported that he was taxiing slowly but had a blind area from his 12 to 2 o'clock position. Just as he saw the other aircraft converging, he applied brakes and stopped. However, he stated that the tail of the Cessna 180 swung under his propeller. The propeller of the Cessna 185 received minor damage, while the left horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna 180 was substantially damaged.

The ground controller stated that after clearing the two Cessnas to taxi, he diverted his attention to a third aircraft when its pilot called for taxi instructions on the north ramp. By the time the controller had redirected his attention to the two Cessnas, the accident had occurred. The ground controller did not issue a traffic advisory to either of the Cessna aircraft.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation while taxiing, compounded by the air traffic controller's diversion of attention.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1986-08-16 Cessna 185 accident near Anchorage, AK?

A Cessna 185 and a Cessna 180 collided on a taxiway due to limited visibility and controller distraction. The incident resulted in minor propeller damage to one aircraft and substantial damage to the horizontal stabilizer of the other.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1986-08-16 involved a Cessna 185, registration N1802R, operated by Stephen T. Harms, at Anchorage, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain visual separation while taxiing, compounded by the air traffic controller's diversion of attention.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34352. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…