Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Corp GULFSTREAM AM G-164D N8331K and Gulfstream-Schweizer A/C Corp GULFSTREAM AM G-164B N8337K accident near Gueydan, Louisiana

Probable cause

The failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other resulting in a collision on the airstrip. Contributing was the pilots’ failure to announce their intentions over their radios as they were taking off and landing.

NTSB analysis

The two airplanes were conducting agricultural operations at a private airstrip. The pilot of the landing airplane reported that, while airborne, he noticed the departing airplane was being loaded at the tender truck. The pilot of the landing airplane estimated that he would have enough time to land and clear the runway before the departing airplane was finished loading. The pilot of the departing airplane reported that after loading, he positioned his airplane on the runway and began his takeoff roll. Meanwhile, the pilot of the landing airplane touched down in the opposite direction of the departing airplane. The pilot of the landing airplane reported that while he was slowing down on the landing roll, he looked over his airplane’s hopper and noticed the departing airplane rolling toward him. The pilot of the landing airplane attempted to veer out of the way of the departing airplane but was unsuccessful. The left wing of the landing airplane struck the left wing of the departing airplane. The landing airplane sustained substantial damage to both left wings, the fuselage, the horizontal stabilizer, and the elevator. The departing airplane sustained substantial damage to all four wings and the fuselage. Both pilots reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. Both pilots reported that neither made a radio call announcing their intentions.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA197 for the full record.