Mid-air collision between Piper PA-36-375 and Grumman AA-5B during landing

Casualties unknown • Herald, CA, US

A Piper PA-36-375 collided with a Grumman AA-5B on a runway during a landing attempt, resulting in damage to both aircraft.

What happened

During an approach to land, the pilot of a Piper PA-36-375 collided with a Grumman AA-5B that had just completed its touchdown on the same runway. Following the impact, the pilot of the Piper aircraft observed the wings of the Grumman aircraft positioned below his own plane. The pilot then initiated a go-around and diverted to a different airport.

The investigation

An examination of the damage revealed that the Piper aircraft sustained minor damage to its propeller. The Grumman aircraft sustained more extensive damage, including structural damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wing structures. The investigation noted that no Unicom was installed or being utilized at the airstrip at the time of the event.

Findings

Both pilots were not transmitting on any aircraft radio frequencies prior to the collision. There were no injuries reported following the incident.

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to communicate via radio frequencies prior to the collision, combined with the lack of Unicom services at the airfield.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-04-05 Piper PA-36-375 accident near Herald, CA?

A Piper PA-36-375 collided with a Grumman AA-5B on a runway during a landing attempt, resulting in damage to both aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-04-05 involved a Piper PA-36-375, registration N3859E, operated by H & R Aerial Enterprises Inc, at Herald, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of both pilots to communicate via radio frequencies prior to the collision, combined with the lack of Unicom services at the airfield.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030414X00500. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…