FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Collision at Runway Intersection During Takeoff and Landing (N2632U)

Galesburg, IL, US

On June 18, 1993, a Cessna 172D (registration N2632U) operated by S & A Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Galesburg, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DEPARTING PILOT'S (N251NW) INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT WHILE OPERATING IN VFR CONDITIONS AT AN UNCONTROLLED AIRPORT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DEPARTING PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION, AND THE ARRIVING PILOT'S (N2632U) INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Two airplanes collided at the intersection of runways 2 and 10 at an uncontrolled airport. Both pilots communicated on UNICOM but did not see each other until just before impact.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, two airplanes collided at the intersection of runways 2 and 10 at a non-towered airport. N251NW was departing on runway 2, while N2632U was landing on runway 10. The accident occurred at the point where the two runways cross.

Weather Conditions

A weather observation taken fifteen minutes after the accident reported an overcast cloud layer at 2,000 feet, visibility of 3 miles, and winds from 070 degrees at 3 knots.

Communications

Both pilots stated that they communicated their intentions on the UNICOM frequency. Airport personnel reported hearing transmissions from the airplane inbound for landing.

Pilot Actions

The pilot of N251NW reported that during the takeoff roll, he checked the gauges of his aircraft because of a previous magneto timing problem. Both pilots indicated they did not see the other airplane until just prior to impact.

Registration Details

The accident involved aircraft with registrations N251NW and N2632U.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jun 1993 Cessna 172D accident near Galesburg, IL?

Two airplanes collided at the intersection of runways 2 and 10 at an uncontrolled airport. Both pilots communicated on UNICOM but did not see each other until just before impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jun 1993 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2632U, operated by S & A Aviation, at Galesburg, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE DEPARTING PILOT'S (N251NW) INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT WHILE OPERATING IN VFR CONDITIONS AT AN UNCONTROLLED AIRPORT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE DEPARTING PILOT'S DIVERTED ATTENTION, AND THE ARRIVING PILOT'S (N2632U) INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12574. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.