FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Collision Between Cessna 172E and Piper PA-31T at Runway Intersection (N5638T)

Alpine, TX, US

On August 20, 1995, a Cessna 172E (registration N5638T) was involved in an aviation accident near Alpine, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE PILOTS OF BOTH AIRPLANES TO SEE AND AVOID EACH OTHER. A FACTOR WAS THE CESSNA'S INOPERATIVE RADIO. 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

A Cessna 172E (N5638T) and Piper PA-31T (N53AM) collided at a runway intersection after landing on intersecting runways. Both pilots reported not seeing each other until convergence. The Cessna's radio was found inoperative.

Incident Overview

On an unspecified date, a Cessna 172E, registration N5638T, landed on runway 19, while a Piper PA-31T, registration N53AM, landed on runway 5. During their respective landing rollouts, the two aircraft collided at a runway intersection.

Pilot Reports

Both pilots reported that they did not see each other until the moment their aircraft converged at the intersection. Each pilot stated that they made VHF radio calls on the local UNICOM frequency (122.8) to announce their approaches to the airport.

Communication

The UNICOM radio operator reported that he did not recall hearing a transmission from the Cessna, but he did hear a transmission from the Piper. No other communications were reported.

Radio Test

A ground test of the VHF transmitter/receiver in the Cessna 172E (N5638T) showed the radio to be inoperative.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Aug 1995 Cessna 172E accident near Alpine, TX?

A Cessna 172E (N5638T) and Piper PA-31T (N53AM) collided at a runway intersection after landing on intersecting runways. Both pilots reported not seeing each other until convergence. The Cessna's radio was found inoperative.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N5638T, at Alpine, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOTS OF BOTH AIRPLANES TO SEE AND AVOID EACH OTHER. A FACTOR WAS THE CESSNA'S INOPERATIVE RADIO.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04251. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.