Overview
On October 29, 2010, about 1430 eastern daylight time, a Cirrus SR22, N876CP, was substantially damaged when it was struck by a taxiing Aviat Inc. Pitts S-2B, N8ZT, at Hilton Head Airport (HXD), Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The certificated commercial pilot and two passengers of the Cirrus, and the certificated private pilot of the Pitts, were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. Neither pilot had filed a flight plan for the personal flights, conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot Accounts
According to the Pitts pilot, he was taxiing south to runway 03 and noted that "the ability to S turn during taxi is limited" due to the narrow taxiway. As he began turning his airplane to the right toward the runway, the propeller impacted the right wing of the Cirrus. The pilot stated he "did not see the Cirrus before the impact." Following the collision, the engine experienced a "sudden stop" and he exited without incident.
The Cirrus pilot reported he was cleared to taxi to runway 03. While holding short of the runway, he conducted an engine run-up and the before takeoff checklist. As he was completing the checklist, he heard one passenger yell "he's going to hit us." He turned to look over his right shoulder as the Pitts propeller struck the right wing of the Cirrus.
Aircraft Examination
After the airplanes were towed to the ramp, an FAA inspector examined them. The Pitts propeller struck the right outboard section of the Cirrus wing spar, resulting in substantial damage. Control continuity was confirmed on both airplanes, and no brake anomalies were found.
Pilot Information
The Pitts pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating, with about 2,200 total flight hours, including 940 hours in the same make and model. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in June 2009.
The Cirrus pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane, and a flight instructor certificate for airplane single-engine, multiengine, and instrument airplane. He had about 2,700 total flight hours, with 1,465 in the same make and model. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued in August 2010.
Aircraft Information
The Pitts S-2B was manufactured in 1993, with its registration certificate issued in 1994. It was a two-place, single-engine, cantilever biplane with tailwheel landing gear. According to the owner, it had about 943 total hours and its last annual inspection was on July 1, 2010.
The Cirrus SR22 was manufactured in 2008, with its registration certificate issued in 2008. It was equipped with a 310-horsepower Teledyne-Continental Motors IO-550 series engine. It was a four-place, low-wing, single-engine, cantilever monoplane with fixed tricycle landing gear. According to the pilot, it had about 510 total hours and its last annual inspection was on September 24, 2010.
Weather Conditions
At 1350, weather at HXD included winds from 350 degrees at 9 knots, gusting to 16 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, clear skies, temperature 21°C, dewpoint 7°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of mercury.