Aeronca taxiing collision with Beech C-99

Casualties unknown • Seattle, WA, US

An Aeronca aircraft collided with a Beech C-99 on the airport surface after an engine failure and subsequent unmanned taxi.

What happened

After landing on runway 31L, the pilot of an Aeronca exited at the first taxiway and received clearance from ground control to proceed to his destination on the airport. As the aircraft approached and passed behind a Beech C-9MA performing a runup at a hold short position, the Aeronca spun around and experienced an engine failure.

The pilot of the Aeronca notified ground control that the aircraft had spun around. In response, ground control instructed the Beech C-99 to reduce power to idle, which the crew acknowledged.

The pilot of the Aeronca then exited his aircraft to perform a hand prop of the engine. After the engine successfully started, the Aeronca began taxiing without any occupants because the pilot had left the throttle in a position greater than idle. During this unmanned taxi, the Aeronca subsequently impacted the right rear quarter of the Beech C-99. No injuries were reported.

Probable cause

The Aeronca began taxiing without an occupant after the engine was hand-started while the throttle was left in a position greater than idle, leading to a collision with a Beech C-99.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-02-25 Beech C-99 accident near Seattle, WA?

An Aeronca aircraft collided with a Beech C-99 on the airport surface after an engine failure and subsequent unmanned taxi.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-02-25 involved a Beech C-99, registration N63978, operated by Ameriflight, Inc., at Seattle, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Aeronca began taxiing without an occupant after the engine was hand-started while the throttle was left in a position greater than idle, leading to a collision with a Beech C-99.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11892. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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