Casualties unknown

1996-09-14: Bellanca 7ECA (N8809) — Arlington, WA

Arlington, WA, US

On September 14, 1996, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N8809) was involved in an aviation accident near Arlington, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of the Piper J3, and failure of the flight instructor in the Bellance to ensure that clearance was maintained from the other moving aircraft. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

After landing, a Bellanca taxied south on a parallel taxiway, while a Piper J-3 taxied north for departure. The Bellanca flight instructor saw the J-3 and moved right, but the J-3 pilot did not see the Bellanca. The instructor lost sight of the J-3 and assumed clearance, leading to a collision on the taxiway.

Background

A Bellanca aircraft had just landed on runway 16 and exited the runway approximately 1,500 feet from the approach end. The pilots then taxied south on the parallel taxiway. Simultaneously, a Piper J-3 was taxiing north on the same taxiway, intending to take off from runway 16.

Sequence of Events

The flight instructor (CFI) in the rear seat of the Bellanca observed the approaching J-3 and moved the aircraft to the far right side of the taxiway to stay clear. However, the pilot of the Piper J-3, also seated in the rear seat of his aircraft, did not see the Bellanca and did not move to the right side of the taxiway. Instead, the J-3 continued north, unaware of the other aircraft.

As the two tailwheel-equipped aircraft neared each other, the CFI in the Bellanca did not continually keep the J-3 in sight. The CFI later stated that he assumed the J-3 had also moved to the right and that his aircraft was "...well clear to the right."

Collision

As the aircraft approached each other, clearance was not maintained and they collided on the taxiway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06814. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.