Casualties unknown

Midair Collision During Landing at Unicom-Free Airstrip (N3859E)

Herald, CA, US

On April 5, 2003, a Piper PA-36-375 (registration N3859E) operated by H & R Aerial Enterprises Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Herald, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the inadequate visual lookout for other aircraft by both pilots that resulted in a midair collision. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper PA-36-375 and a Grumman AA-5B collided on a runway during landing. The Piper executed a go-around and diverted; both aircraft sustained damage. No radio transmissions were made.

Incident Overview

A Piper PA-36-375 and a Grumman AA-5B were involved in a collision during landing operations at an airstrip. The Piper was attempting to land when it struck the Grumman, which had just touched down on the same runway. After the collision, the Piper pilot executed a go-around and diverted to another airport.

Pilot Accounts

The pilot of the Piper reported hearing the collision and subsequently observing the wings of the Grumman below his aircraft. He then initiated a go-around and proceeded to an alternate airport. The Piper pilot noted only minor damage to his aircraft's propeller. The Grumman pilot reported damage to the fuselage, empennage, and wing structures.

Communications and Facilities

No Unicom (Universal Communications) system was installed or in use at the airstrip at the time of the incident. Both pilots stated that they were not transmitting on any aircraft radio frequencies prior to the accident.

Damage Assessment

The Piper PA-36-375 sustained minor damage limited to its propeller. The Grumman AA-5B sustained damage to its fuselage, empennage (tail section), and wing structures. No other damage was reported.

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.