Introduction
On June 26, 2011, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Beech A60 (registration N38N) and an Aliev Cozy MK IV (registration N484BD) collided on the ground at Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP), Pompano Beach, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan was filed for either flight, both operating under 14 CFR Part 91 as personal flights.
Sequence of Events
The Cozy was taxiing to takeoff, while the Beech was taxiing after landing from a local flight that departed PMP about 0740. The pilots of the Cozy reported obtaining the ATIS and waiting in a non-movement area for the air traffic control tower to open at 0800. Upon opening, a broadcast requested all pilots to announce intentions. The pilot-rated passenger of the Cozy contacted ground control on 121.9 MHz at 0800:13, advised they had ATIS, and requested taxi to the active runway for a northwest departure. The controller cleared them to taxi to runway 10 via taxiways L and A, and to cross runway 06. The Cozy pilot reported turning left onto taxiway Alpha and feeling a jolt seconds later, causing the airplane to spin right, at which point they saw the Beech to their right. They stated they did not hear other communications on ground control.
The Beech pilot reported landing on runway 10 about 0758 (before tower resumed operations) and taxiing onto taxiway Echo, then turning onto taxiway Lima westbound. While on tower frequency 125.4 MHz, he heard the tower’s announcement requesting pilots to announce intentions. He continued taxiing westbound on Lima, waiting for a Cessna pilot to communicate. While on Lima, he noticed the Cozy on the ramp south of his location behind the hold short line and looked north for traffic. He then advised the controller he had landed and was taxiing to the t-hangar area via taxiway Charlie. The local controller instructed him to contact ground control on 121.9 MHz. The Beech pilot stated that after returning his focus forward and immediately after being told to contact ground control, the collision occurred. He did not contact ground control. Other than the Cessna pilot, he heard no other communications on tower frequency.
Investigation Findings
According to the FAA inspector-in-charge, the collision occurred on taxiway Lima near the intersection of taxiway Delta. About 25 to 27 feet of skid marks associated with braking of the Beech A60 were observed, though no photographs were taken. The Beech A60 sustained minor damage to the left engine cowling and propeller. The Cozy MK IV sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The certificated airline transport pilot of the Beech was not injured. The certificated private pilot and pilot-rated passenger of the Cozy were also not injured.
Aftermath
The transcription of communications confirmed that the Cozy had contacted ground control and received taxi clearance, while the Beech pilot did not contact ground control after being instructed to do so. No other contributing factors are indicated in the report.