Incident Details
The pilot had landed and was taxiing back to the departure runway using the adjacent taxiway. As the airplane proceeded, it struck a tractor cutting grass to the left of the taxiway. The tractor was mowing along the taxiway lights, traveling to the northeast, positioned halfway on the hard surface and halfway into the grass. The tractor driver approached each light, lifted the mower, passed over the light, and lowered the mower again to mow between the lights. According to the driver, he was traveling in a straight line and was certain he had not turned out in front of the airplane. At impact, the driver stated that he was watching the mower and did not see the airplane until after the collision. The airplane approached from behind, and the driver was unaware of its presence until it struck the tractor.
Witness Statement
A witness reported observing aircraft N4345C taxiing on the taxiway parallel to runway 21 and 3, heading toward runway 21 at an excessive speed. The tractor was mowing on the side of the taxiway in the same direction. The witness stated that the aircraft hit the back of the tractor with its left wing without attempting to slow down or stop.