Amateur-built VANS RV-8 N694V and Amateur-built RV-4 N79KM accident near Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The failure of the pilot of N694V (RV-8) to maintain clearance from the preceding airplane, N79KM (RV-4), while taxiing for takeoff, which resulted in an on-ground collision.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of N694V, a tailwheel equipped RV-8, reported that he was taxiing for a visual flight rules (VFR) departure with the intention of conducting a flight in the local area. He was taxiing under the direction of ground marshals in accordance with procedures in effect for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture 2022 fly-in. He was briefly “blinded” by the sun reflecting off the polished wing skin of another airplane and began a shallow S-turn to compensate. As he looked over the left side of his engine cowling, he noticed an airplane emerge from the blind spot. He applied full brakes but was unable to stop before the propeller contacted the empennage of an RV-4, N79KM. The pilot of N79KM, a tailwheel equipped RV-4, reported that he was stopped due to other airplanes in front of him on the taxiway. The RV-4, N79KM, sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and elevator. The RV-8, N694V, sustained minor damage to both propeller blades. The pilots of both airplanes reported no failures or malfunctions with their respective airplanes before the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA346 for the full record.