Casualties unknown

Collision Involving Two Piper Aircraft on Taxiway R1 (N26046)

Nashville, TN, US

On March 23, 1996, a Piper J3C-65 (registration N26046) was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilot of the Piper PA-28, N26046, to visually clear the intended taxi course. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

Two Piper aircraft, a PA-28 and a J3C, collided while taxiing on an airport ramp near taxiway R1. The J3 pilot stated he did not see the PA-28 and could not stop in time.

Incident Details

A Piper PA-28 (N120CC) and a Piper J3C (N26046) were taxiing for takeoff on an airport ramp area that funnels into taxiway R1. The pilot of the PA-28 stated that after entering the ramp area, he remained stationary. A preceding Cessna 172 had entered the R1 taxiway and met oncoming traffic. The Cessna 172 then made a 180-degree turn to exit the R1 taxiway back onto the ramp.

Sequence of Events

When the pilot of the J3 observed the Cessna 172 turning around, he turned to the right to clear the taxiway-to-ramp throat. As the J3 turned, the propeller and left wing of each airplane contacted the left wing and propeller of the opposing airplane. The pilot of the J3 stated he did not see that the PA-28 had entered the ramp area and was not able to stop the J3 before the collision.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05363. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.