Mid-air collision between Stinson and Midget Mustang during taxi

Casualties unknown • Compton, CA, US

A Stinson aircraft collided with a Midget Mustang while both were taxiing eastbound on a south taxiway toward a run-up area.

What happened

Two pilots were taxiing their respective aircraft eastbound on the south taxiway, heading toward the run-up area. The pilot of a Stinson reported that he was unable to see the Midget Mustang positioned ahead of him. This lack of visibility was attributed to the small size of the Midget Mustang and the large nose area characteristic of the Stinson, which is a conventional gear airplane.

As the Stinson moved forward, it overtook the Midget Mustang from the rear. During this maneuver, the Stinson's propeller made contact with the other aircraft, causing damage to the tail, fuselage, and wings of the Midget Mustang.

Probable cause

The pilot of the Stinson was unable to maintain visibility of the smaller aircraft ahead due to the large nose profile of his conventional gear airplane and limited ability to perform clearing turns caused by a narrow taxiway and nearby parked aircraft.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-05-12 Stinson 108-3 accident near Compton, CA?

A Stinson aircraft collided with a Midget Mustang while both were taxiing eastbound on a south taxiway toward a run-up area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-05-12 involved a Stinson 108-3, registration N235DE, at Compton, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot of the Stinson was unable to maintain visibility of the smaller aircraft ahead due to the large nose profile of his conventional gear airplane and limited ability to perform clearing turns caused by a narrow taxiway and nearby parked aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05808. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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