Casualties unknown

1996-10-06: North American T-6G (N5115D) — Richard Zisa — Mansfield, MA

Mansfield, MA, US

On October 6, 1996, a North American T-6G (registration N5115D) operated by Richard Zisa was involved in an aviation accident near Mansfield, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the T-6 pilot to maintain clearance from the Cessna 152, as he turned off the runway after landing. 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

A North American T-6G and a Cessna 152 collided on the ground when the T-6G, after landing on a grass runway, struck the Cessna while attempting to avoid it. The Cessna had stopped short of the runway intersection.

Incident Overview

A North American T-6G, following a demonstration flight, returned to its departure airport and entered the traffic pattern to land on runway 22, a grass strip. During the turn to final approach, the T-6G pilot observed a Cessna 152 taxiing northwest on the hard surface taxiway for runway 14.

Sequence of Events

According to the T-6G pilot, after touchdown and retracting flaps, he realized the Cessna was not going to stop before crossing his runway. The Cessna then disappeared into the T-6G's blind spot in front of the nose. The T-6G pilot began a left turn to pass behind the Cessna, believing the Cessna had stopped as he did not see it to his right. He then turned harder to the left and struck the Cessna's left wing with his propeller, pushing the Cessna back about 75 feet.

The Cessna pilot reported that he saw an airplane landing on runway 14 suddenly add power and execute a go-around. He then noticed a yellow T-6 off the right and in front of him, landing on runway 22. The Cessna pilot stopped short of where the runway crosses the taxiway. The T-6 then started turning left, turned sharply, and struck the Cessna.

Examination Findings

Post-incident examination revealed that the Cessna had stopped about 65 feet short of the runway intersection and was struck by the T-6 outside the boundaries of runway 22.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06960. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.