Probable cause
The Model 1 pilot's inadequate visual lookout and subsequent failure to see and avoid the Zodiac.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the Zodiac made radio calls when he was 10 miles and 5 miles from the airport to inform other aircraft of his position. He also made position reports when he turned left onto the final leg of the traffic pattern, and again when he was on short final for landing. About 90 feet from the taxiway turnoff, the Zodiac was hit from the rear. The Zodiac pilot taxied off the runway and, looking back, he could see the Model 1, a red and white biplane, behind him. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers of the Zodiac were destroyed by the propeller strike from the Model 1. The Model 1 received minor damage to the engine cowl. The pilot of the Model 1, who was seated in the rear seat of the airplane during the flight, reported that he did not see the Zodiac prior to landing or while taxiing. The Model 1 was not equipped with either an installed or handheld radio.
The pilot of the Zodiac made radio calls when he was 10 miles and 5 miles from the airport to inform other aircraft of his position. He also made position reports when he turned left onto the final leg of the traffic pattern, and again when he was on short final for landing. About 90 feet from taxiway turnoff, the Zodiac was hit from the rear. The Zodiac pilot taxied off the runway and, looking back, he could see the Model 1, a red and white biplane, behind him. The horizontal and vertical stabilizers of the Zodiac were destroyed by the propeller strike from the Model 1. The Model 1 received minor damage to the engine cowl. The pilot of the Model 1, who was seated in the rear seat of the airplane during the flight, reported that he did not see the Zodiac prior to landing or while taxiing. The Model 1 was not equipped with either an installed or handheld radio.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA168 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 29, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Burlington, Iowa
- Nearest airport
- Southwest Iowa Regional (BRL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.