No fatalities

8 Apr 2017: PIPER J3C 65 — New Carlisle, OH

New Carlisle, OH, United States

On 8 Apr 2017, a PIPER J3C 65 was involved in an aviation accident near New Carlisle, OH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The other pilot’s decision to land on an occupied runway and his failure to see and avoid the airplane. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A Piper tailwheel airplane, piloted from the rear seat without a radio, collided with a Cessna taxiing after landing on the same runway from the opposite direction. Both aircraft sustained substantial wing damage.

Accident Overview

A collision occurred on a runway involving a Piper airplane and a Cessna airplane. The Piper, equipped with tailwheel configuration, was being piloted from the rear seat. The pilot reported that the aircraft was not fitted with a radio and that forward visibility was limited during taxi when operating from that position.

Sequence of Events

According to the Piper pilot, he entered a left downwind for the runway and observed no other aircraft while on final approach. He continued to land. During the landing roll, as he turned to clear the runway, his airplane collided with a Cessna that was taxiing on the runway after having landed from the opposite direction. The Piper pilot stated he did not see the Cessna prior to the collision.

The Cessna pilot reported that while flying in the traffic pattern, he announced his position and intention to land on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) during all landings. He also visually checked for traffic in both directions. After landing, as he was taxiing toward the exit, he observed the Piper land in the opposite direction on the same runway. Subsequently, the Piper turned diagonally across the runway toward the Cessna, and the two airplanes collided.

Aircraft Damage

The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing's front spar. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to its right wing.

Additional Information

Both pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with either airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Causes

PilotEffect on operationPilot of other aircraft

Other contributing factors

Effect on personnel