On August 31, 1996, a Globe GC-1B (registration N570SR) was involved in an aviation accident near Hampshire, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper use of the mini-bike by the driver. Factors relating to the accident were: darkness, the unlighted mini-bike, and insufficient standards required by the residents of the airstrip concerning use of the taxiways at night. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot taxiing after landing at night felt a collision with a mini-bike ridden by a 12-year-old boy on the taxiway. The unlighted mini-bike struck the aircraft center taxiway; rules did not prohibit bikes on taxiways at night.
Incident Overview
A pilot reported that after landing at night on runway 09, he rolled out to the east mid-field taxiway. He made a left turn onto the cross taxiway, then turned left and proceeded westbound on the parallel taxiway toward his hangar. While taxiing, another aircraft was on final approach for landing on runway 09. The pilot stated he turned off his landing lights to avoid blinding the approaching aircraft. Within seconds after the landing aircraft passed behind him, the pilot felt a collision. He exited the aircraft to investigate.
Discovery and Scene
The pilot discovered a 12-year-old boy and an unlighted mini-bike under the aircraft. Examination of the site indicated the mini-bike had struck the airplane in the center of the taxiway. The boy was wearing a black helmet with a full face, clear plastic visor. He was returning home via the taxiway on his 3.5-horsepower mini-bike.
Airport Rules
The rules governing the residential airstrip did not specifically list a prohibition about riding a bicycle or mini-bike on the taxiways at night. Additionally, there was no rule or note of caution in the Airport Rules and Regulations concerning the use of landing lights at the residential airstrip while taxiing at night.
