Mid-taxiway collision between Piper PA-23 and Globe GC-1B

Casualties unknown • Venice, FL, US

A mid-air collision occurred on a taxiway at an uncontrolled airport when two aircraft traveling in opposite directions failed to yield to one another.

What happened

A Piper PA-23 landed on Runway 4 at an uncontrolled airport and exited the runway heading northbound onto a taxiway that leads toward the ramp. Simultaneously, a Globe GC-1B (Swift) was departing the ramp and proceeding southbound on the same taxiway toward the runway.

The taxiway in question is oriented generally north-south but angles to the south-southwest at a point where it crosses a closed, east-west runway. The pilot of the Piper PA-23 reported seeing the Swift taxiing southbound approximately 900 feet north of the closed runway. Because the taxiway was too narrow to accommodate both aircraft, the Piper pilot assumed the Swift would yield at the intersection of the closed runway and continued traveling northbound (north-northeast).

The Swift, which is a tailwheel-equipped aircraft, was being operated using S-turns by the pilot to maintain forward visibility. The Swift pilot did not stop at the closed runway but continued southbound (south-southeast). As the two aircraft converged, the Piper pilot attempted evasive action by turning to the right, but the left wingtips collided. The collision took place approximately 450 feet south of the closed runway. The Swift pilot stated he did not observe the Piper PA-23 until moments before the impact.

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to yield to one another at the intersection of the taxiway and the closed runway, combined with the narrow width of the taxiway which prevented safe passage for both aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-04-02 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Venice, FL?

A mid-air collision occurred on a taxiway at an uncontrolled airport when two aircraft traveling in opposite directions failed to yield to one another.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-04-02 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N346PB, at Venice, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of both pilots to yield to one another at the intersection of the taxiway and the closed runway, combined with the narrow width of the taxiway which prevented safe passage for both aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X03339. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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