Mid-air collision between two Cessna 172 aircraft during taxi

Casualties unknown • Daytona Beach, FL, US

Two Cessna 172 aircraft collided on the runway 25R run-up area after a student pilot attempted to maneuver around another aircraft for takeoff.

What happened

On the runway 25R run-up area, two aircraft were positioned for departure. The Cessna 172S, registration N431ER, was positioned ahead of a Cessna 172R, registration N864CP.

A student pilot requested takeoff clearance and received instructions from the tower to maneuver around the preceding aircraft to prepare for departure. During this maneuvering process, the left wing of the student pilot's aircraft struck the tail of the lead aircraft. This impact caused the student pilot's airplane to rotate further to the left until the propeller made contact with the trailing edge of the right wing of the first aircraft.

Following the collision, the pilot and flight instructor shut down their engine and secured their aircraft. The flight instructor then assisted the student pilot in securing his aircraft.

Probable cause

The student pilot's attempt to maneuver around the preceding aircraft resulted in a wing-to-tail strike and subsequent propeller contact with the other aircraft's wing.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-07-18 Cessna 172R accident near Daytona Beach, FL?

Two Cessna 172 aircraft collided on the runway 25R run-up area after a student pilot attempted to maneuver around another aircraft for takeoff.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-07-18 involved a Cessna 172R, registration N864CP, operated by Phoenix East Aviation, Inc., at Daytona Beach, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot's attempt to maneuver around the preceding aircraft resulted in a wing-to-tail strike and subsequent propeller contact with the other aircraft's wing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030723X01178. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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