On June 14, 1987, a Piper PA-28-180 (registration N4889L) was involved in an aviation accident near Towanda, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The investigation could not definitively determine which aircraft violated right-of-way or positioning protocols due to conflicting pilot statements; however, the collision resulted from a failure to maintain adequate separation during taxi operations. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A Piper aircraft was struck in the tail by a Taylorcraft while both planes were taxiing for takeoff on runway 22, resulting in damage to the Piper's rear section.
What happened
The incident occurred while Piper N4889L was taxiing toward runway 22 in preparation for departure. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with a Taylorcraft bearing registration N43978, which was also moving along the taxiway for its own takeoff sequence. The impact struck the tail section of the Piper.
Conflicting accounts emerged regarding the precise movements leading to the collision. The pilot operating the Taylorcraft asserted that the Piper had crossed directly in front of his aircraft's path. Conversely, the pilot of the Piper maintained that he was traveling parallel to the runway when the Taylorcraft made contact with his tail.
Probable cause
The investigation could not definitively determine which aircraft violated right-of-way or positioning protocols due to conflicting pilot statements; however, the collision resulted from a failure to maintain adequate separation during taxi operations.
What happened in the 14 Jun 1987 Piper PA-28-180 accident near Towanda, PA?
A Piper aircraft was struck in the tail by a Taylorcraft while both planes were taxiing for takeoff on runway 22, resulting in damage to the Piper's rear section.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Jun 1987 involved a Piper PA-28-180, registration N4889L, at Towanda, PA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The investigation could not definitively determine which aircraft violated right-of-way or positioning protocols due to conflicting pilot statements; however, the collision resulted from a failure to maintain adequate separation during taxi operations.
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