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Stinson glider collision with unoccupied glider at fuel pump (N6093M)

Blairstown, NJ, US

On March 11, 1989, a Stinson 108-3 (registration N6093M) operated by Leonard D. Chicco was involved in an aviation accident near Blairstown, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to taxi off the paved surface into mud to avoid an obstruction, resulting in a collision with an unoccupied glider. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An unoccupied glider parked at a gas pump blocked the taxiway, forcing pilot N6093M to taxi into mud and strike the glider's rudder with its left wing.

What happened

The incident occurred at an airport fueling area where an unoccupied glider had been parked directly at the gas pump. The tail section of this stationary glider extended over the paved taxiway, effectively obstructing the path for other aircraft.

N6093M, a Stinson aircraft, required passage through this area to reach its designated tiedown location. To avoid the obstruction caused by the glider's tail, the pilot attempted to maneuver around the obstacle by passing to the right of the gas pump.

This maneuver necessitated leaving the paved surface and entering a muddy area adjacent to the taxiway. During this operation, the left wing of N6093M made contact with the rudder of the unoccupied glider. The collision resulted in damage to both aircraft involved in the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to taxi off the paved surface into mud to avoid an obstruction, resulting in a collision with an unoccupied glider.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Mar 1989 Stinson 108-3 accident near Blairstown, NJ?

An unoccupied glider parked at a gas pump blocked the taxiway, forcing pilot N6093M to taxi into mud and strike the glider's rudder with its left wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Mar 1989 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N6093M, operated by Leonard D. Chicco, at Blairstown, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to taxi off the paved surface into mud to avoid an obstruction, resulting in a collision with an unoccupied glider.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27986. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.