Incident Overview
A Cessna TR182 conducting pretakeoff checks in the run-up area was struck by a taxiing Piper J3. The collision occurred near the first run-up marker while the Cessna was on an easterly heading, approximately two minutes after beginning its checks.
The Piper J3, occupied by a pilot in the rear seat, was taxiing north to the run-up area to perform a run-up before taking the aircraft for annual inspection. During the taxi, the pilot had other aircraft in the vicinity: parked aircraft on the left side, an approaching Cherokee from the 1 o'clock position, and a Twin Otter approaching from the 4 o'clock position.
Sequence of Events
As the Piper pilot neared the intended run-up spot, he saw the stationary Cessna. He shut down the engine and applied the brakes but could not stop before the Piper made contact with the Cessna. The right wing of the Piper scraped along the bottom of the Cessna's wing, and the Piper's propeller struck the Cessna's right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, resulting in substantial damage to the Cessna. The Piper sustained minor damage to its propeller.
Pilot's Account
The Piper pilot stated that he had thoroughly scanned the run-up area before the collision but did not see the Cessna. He believed the Cessna either blended in with the background or was located in a blind spot from his perspective.
Damage Summary
The Cessna TR182 received substantial damage to its right horizontal stabilizer and elevator, as well as wing scraping. The Piper J3 sustained minor damage to its propeller.