Casualties unknown

1990-10-12: Cessna 152 (N24815) — United Flight Services — Watsonville, CA

Watsonville, CA, US

On October 12, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N24815) operated by United Flight Services was involved in an aviation accident near Watsonville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOTS OF BOTH AIRCRAFT TO SEE AND AVOID THE OTHER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A Stearman aircraft, N65544, collided with a Cessna 152, N24815, while taxiing at an uncontrolled airport, slicing its propeller into the Cessna's right wing.

Incident Overview

At an uncontrolled general aviation airport, a ground collision occurred between two aircraft. The pilot of N65544, a Stearman, reported that he was holding in the run-up area before takeoff when the Cessna 152, N24815, taxied in front of his aircraft in a perpendicular orientation. The pilot stated that he could not see the Cessna 152 and began to pull forward to move into position. As he did so, the propeller of N65544 sliced into the right wing of the Cessna 152.

Witness Statement

The flight instructor on board the Cessna 152 provided a written report. He stated that his student taxied up to the hold short line in preparation for takeoff. The instructor said that he looked to his right and saw the Stearman taxi into his right wing.

Airport Information

The Watsonville Airport is an uncontrolled general aviation facility, meaning it does not have an operating control tower. Pilots are responsible for self-announcing their intentions and maintaining situational awareness of other traffic.

Aircraft Involved

The aircraft involved were N65544, a Stearman, and N24815, a Cessna 152. No further details about the aircraft or occupants were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24497. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.