On December 14, 1972, a Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor (registration TG-HIH) operated by Private Guatemala was involved in an aviation accident near Tunica, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to identify and avoid the parked aircraft while taxiing in heavy rain. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A single-engine aircraft collided with a parked Cessna 188 during taxiing at Tunica Airport, resulting in the destruction of both planes by fire.
What happened
During operations at Tunica Airport, an aircraft was taxiing toward its parking spot following a landing performed in heavy rainfall. While vacating the runway to reach the ramp, the pilot's aircraft struck a stationary Cessna 188, which carried the registration N8196V.
The impact caused both involved aircraft to ignite. The resulting fire led to the total loss of both airframes. The pilot of the moving aircraft managed to exit the cockpit without any injuries, while the parked Cessna was empty at the time of the collision.
Findings
Investigations into the incident concluded that the primary factor in the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate lookout and avoid the stationary aircraft on the taxiway.
Probable cause
The pilot failed to identify and avoid the parked aircraft while taxiing in heavy rain.