Casualties unknown

Collision on Runway 27 Between Waco CTO and Boeing B75N1 (N75511)

Cloverdale, IN, US

On October 4, 1997, a Boeing B75N1 (registration N75511) was involved in an aviation accident near Cloverdale, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the Boeing pilot failed to identify the Waco airplane on the runway before initiating a takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: the restricted forward visibility of both pilots due to the tailwheel configurations of both airplanes. 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 Waco CTO (NC9577H) and a Boeing B75N1 (N75511) collided on runway 27. The Waco was back taxiing after landing; the Boeing initiated takeoff without seeing the other aircraft. No injuries reported.

Background

Two aircraft were operating on runway 27 at an unspecified airport. The first aircraft, a Waco CTO registered as NC9577H, had just landed and was back taxiing along the runway. The second aircraft, a Boeing B75N1 registered as N75511, was preparing for takeoff on the same runway.

The Accident

According to the pilot of the Waco CTO, after landing, he proceeded down the runway and performed an S-turn approximately halfway down. As he was centering the aircraft, he heard an engine noise and saw the Boeing B75N1 just before impact. The pilot of the Boeing B75N1 reported that he did not see any aircraft on the runway or in the traffic pattern before initiating his takeoff roll. The Boeing was equipped with a radio, but the Waco was not. The collision occurred on the runway, resulting in damage to both aircraft.

Aftermath

The investigation did not specify any injuries to the occupants of either aircraft. The extent of the damage was not detailed in the source. No contributing factors or probable cause were provided in the initial report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Oct 1997 Boeing B75N1 accident near Cloverdale, IN?

A Waco CTO (NC9577H) and a Boeing B75N1 (N75511) collided on runway 27. The Waco was back taxiing after landing; the Boeing initiated takeoff without seeing the other aircraft. No injuries reported.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Oct 1997 involved a Boeing B75N1, registration N75511, at Cloverdale, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the Boeing pilot failed to identify the Waco airplane on the runway before initiating a takeoff. Factors related to the accident were: the restricted forward visibility of both pilots due to the tailwheel configurations of both airplanes.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08968. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.