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Casualties unknown

Cessna 208 and Douglas DC3 Collide on Taxiway at Night (N927FE)

Memphis, TN, US

On December 15, 1994, a Cessna 208B (registration N927FE) operated by Baron Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Memphis, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT OF CESSNA 208, N927FE TO SEE DOUGLAS DC3, N24320, AS HE TAXIED TO TAKEOFF DUE TO INOPERATIVE TAIL NAVIGATION LIGHTS AND BEACON LIGHTS ON THE DC3 AND DUE TO GLARE ON THE WET TAXIWAY. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 208 (N927FE) collided with a Douglas DC3 (N24320) on a wet taxiway in darkness. The DC3's tail navigation and beacon lights were inoperative, and glare from ramp lights was present.

Incident Overview

During taxi to Runway 18L, the pilot of a Cessna 208, registration N927FE, reported that he did not see any aircraft except one at the hold short line. He then noticed the silhouette of a Douglas DC3, registration N24320, ahead but was unable to stop before colliding with it. The pilot stated that the tail navigation lights and beacon lights on the DC3 were not operating. He also noted that the taxiway was wet and there was glare from lights on a nearby ramp.

Postcrash Examination

Postcrash examination of the DC3 by FAA inspectors confirmed that the tail navigation and beacon lights were inoperative. No other factual information regarding damage, injuries, or further circumstances was provided in the source.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Dec 1994 Cessna 208B accident near Memphis, TN?

A Cessna 208 (N927FE) collided with a Douglas DC3 (N24320) on a wet taxiway in darkness. The DC3's tail navigation and beacon lights were inoperative, and glare from ramp lights was present.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Dec 1994 involved a Cessna 208B, registration N927FE, operated by Baron Aviation Services, at Memphis, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE INABILITY OF THE PILOT OF CESSNA 208, N927FE TO SEE DOUGLAS DC3, N24320, AS HE TAXIED TO TAKEOFF DUE TO INOPERATIVE TAIL NAVIGATION LIGHTS AND BEACON LIGHTS ON THE DC3 AND DUE TO GLARE ON THE WET TAXIWAY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02771. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.