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Ground Collision Between Two Tailwheel Aircraft at Airstrip (N8227K)

Pioneer, LA, US

On August 12, 1993, a Grumman G-164B (registration N8227K) was involved in an aviation accident near Pioneer, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE BY BOTH PILOTS TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT. FACTORS WERE THE INADEQUATE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BY BOTH PILOTS, AND THE DEPARTING PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES. 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 tailwheel aircraft, N8227K and N8255K, collided on the ground at an airstrip after one attempted takeoff from a loading ramp while the other was landing. Neither pilot made radio transmissions.

Incident Overview

On the loading ramp at the end of an airstrip, aircraft N8227K was facing south while ground personnel reloaded it. Meanwhile, N8255K entered the traffic pattern on a right downwind for a landing to the north. The left wings of both airplanes collided while both had their tailwheels on the ground.

Sequence of Events

The pilot of N8227K reported that once loading was completed, he looked ahead, saw no traffic, and proceeded to takeoff from his position on the ramp. The pilot of N8255K observed N8227K being reloaded as he entered the traffic pattern and continued his approach to land to the north. The collision occurred during the takeoff roll of N8227K and the landing roll of N8255K.

Radio Communication

Both aircraft were equipped with two-way radios and were tuned to a common UNICOM frequency. However, neither pilot made any radio transmissions. The pilot of N8227K stated that he was unable to announce his intentions due to the congestion of the frequency being monitored.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Aug 1993 Grumman G-164B accident near Pioneer, LA?

Two tailwheel aircraft, N8227K and N8255K, collided on the ground at an airstrip after one attempted takeoff from a loading ramp while the other was landing. Neither pilot made radio transmissions.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Aug 1993 involved a Grumman G-164B, registration N8227K, at Pioneer, LA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE BY BOTH PILOTS TO MAINTAIN VISUAL LOOKOUT. FACTORS WERE THE INADEQUATE RADIO COMMUNICATIONS BY BOTH PILOTS, AND THE DEPARTING PILOT'S FAILURE TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES AND DIRECTIVES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X13154. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.