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Collision Between Cessna 172 and Ensey SA-750 at Albany Airport (N9579H)

Albany, OR, US

On October 12, 1996, a Cessna 172M (registration N9579H) was involved in an aviation accident near Albany, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot of the SA-750 failed to maintain sufficient clearance between his aircraft and the preceding Cessna. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172 and an Ensey SA-750 (Acroduster) collided on the runway after the SA-750, flying faster on final, failed to maintain clearance from the slower Cessna, despite standard radio calls.

Background

Two aircraft, a Cessna 172 and an Ensey SA-750 (Acroduster) biplane, had flown to the Albany Airport as part of a three-ship group.

Sequence of Events

The Cessna entered the traffic pattern on a left base approximately the same time as the SA-750 entered the pattern on a 45-degree entry to a left downwind. The Cessna pilot reported having the SA-750 in sight as the Cessna entered the pattern. However, the SA-750 pilot never saw the Cessna once both aircraft arrived in the vicinity of the airport. Both pilots made all standard position calls while in the pattern.

The SA-750 was being flown at 80 MPH on final approach, while the Cessna was flown at about 65 MPH. The pilot of the SA-750 failed to maintain sufficient clearance between his aircraft and the preceding Cessna. As a result, the SA-750 converged on the Cessna from behind.

Collision

Shortly after both airplanes touched down on the runway, they collided. According to the SA-750 pilot, the first time he saw the Cessna was about one second before impact on the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot of the SA-750 failed to maintain sufficient clearance between his aircraft and the preceding Cessna.
Midair collision

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Oct 1996 Cessna 172M accident near Albany, OR?

A Cessna 172 and an Ensey SA-750 (Acroduster) collided on the runway after the SA-750, flying faster on final, failed to maintain clearance from the slower Cessna, despite standard radio calls.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9579H, at Albany, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot of the SA-750 failed to maintain sufficient clearance between his aircraft and the preceding Cessna.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06979. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.