Casualties unknown

Ground Collision Between Piper and RV-6A During Taxi (N6816J)

Philadelphia, PA, US

On August 17, 2004, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N6816J) was involved in an aviation accident near Philadelphia, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of RV-6A and his failure to maintain clearance while taxiing, which resulted in an on-ground collision with the Piper. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper and an RV-6A collided on the ground when the RV-6A's propeller struck the Piper's left wing during taxi, after the RV-6A pilot did not see the Piper ahead.

Sequence of Events

According to the accident investigation report, the pilot of a Piper aircraft contacted the ground controller and received clearance to taxi from the ramp area to the active runway. Subsequently, the pilot of an RV-6A aircraft also contacted the same ground controller from the same ramp area and was instructed to follow the Piper to the active runway.

After receiving the instruction, the RV-6A pilot looked out the left window and directly ahead but did not observe the Piper. As the RV-6A began to taxi, its propeller struck the left wing of the Piper as the Piper passed in front of the RV-6A from the right.

No further details regarding injuries, damage, or other circumstances were provided in the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 2004 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Philadelphia, PA?

A Piper and an RV-6A collided on the ground when the RV-6A's propeller struck the Piper's left wing during taxi, after the RV-6A pilot did not see the Piper ahead.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 2004 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N6816J, at Philadelphia, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadequate visual lookout by the pilot of RV-6A and his failure to maintain clearance while taxiing, which resulted in an on-ground collision with the Piper.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040827X01297. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.