Ground vehicle collision at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport

No fatalities • San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto Rico • Taxiing

An aircraft collided with a ground vehicle while taxiing for departure at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport, resulting in total loss of both vehicles.

What happened

During preparations for takeoff at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport, an aircraft was maneuvering along a taxiway when it struck a ground vehicle. The impact caused the plane to come to a complete stop on the airfield. Following the collision, both the aircraft and the involved ground vehicle sustained damage so extensive that they were considered beyond repair.

Despite the severity of the impact, no injuries were reported for either the pilot or the driver of the vehicle.

Findings

Investigations into the incident identified several contributing elements to the collision. The primary cause was determined to be a collision with a ground vehicle during taxi operations. Specific factors included:

  • The driver failed to yield or avoid crossing the active taxiway.
  • The pilot did not successfully identify and avoid the obstruction on the taxiway path.
  • Adverse weather conditions, specifically rain, were present at the time of the event.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a collision with a ground vehicle while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff, exacerbated by poor visibility due to rain and failure to avoid obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1975-09-15 Britten-Norman Islander accident near San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto Rico?

An aircraft collided with a ground vehicle while taxiing for departure at San Juan-Isla Verde Airport, resulting in total loss of both vehicles.

Were there any fatalities in the 1975-09-15 Britten-Norman Islander accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1975-09-15 involved a Britten-Norman Islander, registration N122DW, operated by Dorado Wings, at San Juan-Luis Muñoz Marín (Isla Verde), Puerto Rico.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a collision with a ground vehicle while the aircraft was taxiing for takeoff, exacerbated by poor visibility due to rain and failure to avoid obstacles.

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