Casualties unknown

1992-05-13: Air Tractor AT-401 (N1518V) — Hunt, Jeffery D. — Taft, TX

Taft, TX, US

On May 13, 1992, an Air Tractor AT-401 (registration N1518V) operated by Hunt, Jeffery D. was involved in an aviation accident near Taft, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The second airplane pilot delayed his compensation for the turbulence during the landing flare. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a VFR landing in crosswind, a pilot's delayed compensation for turbulence caused a wing strike on a parked aircraft's propeller. The aircraft sustained damage and diverted to another airport.

Overview

During a visual flight rules (VFR) landing, a pilot encountered difficulties when compensating for turbulence near the runway threshold. The event resulted in a collision between the landing aircraft's wing and the rotating propeller of an aircraft that had already landed and was parked in the loading area.

Sequence of Events

According to pilot reports, the wind was blowing at approximately 10 knots, 90 degrees to the runway. One pilot had already landed and parked the aircraft to the right of the runway threshold. This pilot reported turbulence in the vicinity of the landing threshold as the wind passed by a hangar area near the runway.

While the second aircraft was in the landing flare, its pilot delayed compensation for the turbulence. Consequently, the right wing of the landing aircraft struck the rotating propeller of the parked aircraft. Approximately four feet of the right wing separated from the landing aircraft as a result of the impact.

Damage and Outcome

The landing aircraft sustained significant damage to its right wing, with about four feet of the wing structure separating. The pilot responded by applying full power and continued to a nearby airport, where a safe landing was executed without further incidents.

No other damage or injuries were reported aside from the damage to the landing aircraft. The parked aircraft's propeller was involved in the collision but the source does not specify its condition.

Probable cause

The second airplane pilot delayed his compensation for the turbulence during the landing flare.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14652. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.