Accident Description
A collision occurred between an aircraft and a tractor on an airport tarmac. The tractor had been sweeping the tarmac for most of the morning and was equipped with an amber strobe light attached to the roll bar, as well as flashing hazard lights on its fender. A police officer later verified that all lights were in working order. The aircraft had landed and was taxiing east on the tarmac, while the tractor was traveling west on the same surface when the accident happened.
Witness Statements
The driver of the tractor told police that he was sweeping the tarmac and observed the aircraft exit the taxiway and start moving toward him. He stated that the aircraft made an 'S' turn and came straight at him and the tractor. The driver said he was in fear of being hit by the aircraft and tried to get out of the way before the aircraft reached him, but he ultimately collided with the aircraft while attempting to evade.
The pilot demonstrated to the police officer that he had very limited visibility from the cockpit while on the ground. The pilot explained that after leaving the taxiway and getting onto the tarmac, he made a left turn to look to his right, then a right turn to look to his left. He said the tarmac appeared clear of any traffic, so he straightened the aircraft and continued traveling east at a very slow speed. After straightening the aircraft, he reported hearing and feeling the crash of the tractor and aircraft, and stated that he never saw the tractor or the sweeper.
The passenger also reported not seeing the tractor, noting that his visibility was limited to the sides of the aircraft as well.
Additional Information
The pilot did not return the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, and his account of the accident beyond what was described to the police is not known.