Casualties unknown

2003-04-01: Mooney M20C (N2652W) — Lakeland, FL

Lakeland, FL, US

On April 1, 2003, a Mooney M20C (registration N2652W) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate visual lookout of the pilot and the ground marshaller resulting in the ground marshaller being struck by the wing of the taxiing airplane and receiving serious injury. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During taxi, a ground marshaller was struck by the left wing of N2652W after signaling the pilot. The marshaller turned away and was hit, resulting in loss of consciousness.

Incident Overview

A ground marshaller was struck by the left wing of a taxiing aircraft, registration N2652W, at the intersection of runway 5-23 and taxiway D. The pilot had landed on runway 9 left and proceeded west on taxiway D.

Sequence of Events

As the pilot approached the intersection, he observed a ground marshaller waving two orange wands. The marshaller was positioned such that the left wingtip would clear him by 18 inches. The marshaller, facing east, began waving his wands and backstepping to the west. At the airplane's 10:30 position, the marshaller turned 180 degrees toward the west and bent from the waist, with his back to the wing and face toward the pavement. He continued walking west and turned his head to face another marshaller. The pilot then looked forward in the direction of taxi. He heard a loud bang, and the airplane rotated left about 15 degrees. The pilot countered with right rudder and turned left onto runway 5-23, where he stopped. Looking back, he saw the marshaller on the ground parallel to runway 5-23, with his head facing the approach end of runway 5.

Marshaller's Account

The ground marshaller stated that as N2652W approached, he signaled the pilot to proceed straight through the intersection after reading a sign indicating the pilot was going to aircraft camping. He had eye contact with the pilot and received acknowledgment. The marshaller then turned 110-130 degrees to signal a motorcycle rider. At that point, he was struck and became unconscious.

Witness Statements

One witness reported that the airplane taxied at normal speed toward the intersection. The marshaller made signal contact with the pilot and then turned 90 degrees to tell a motorcycle rider where to lead the airplane. The marshaller's back was to the airplane's outboard left wing. As the airplane continued, the left wing struck the marshaller in the back, knocking him forward, then struck him in the back of the head, knocking him to the ground.

Another witness stated that the marshaller read the destination sign and flagged the airplane on. She then heard the pilot apply excess throttle, and the airplane appeared to veer left. The marshaller had begun to turn and walk away when the left wing hit him on his right side from behind, sending him tumbling across runway 5-23.

Conclusion

The pilot stopped the aircraft on runway 5-23 after the collision. No further information is provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030410X00478. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.