Amateur-built Special N767JW and Amateur-built Mong N777FJ accident near Reno, Nevada

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation and visual lookout during landing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the airplane ahead of it on the runway.

The other pilot's failure to maintain adequate separation and visual lookout during landing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the airplane ahead of it on the runway.

NTSB analysis

The pilots of two biplanes involved in a collision on a runway during landing, reported that they were landing after competing in a National Championship Biplane Gold Race. The pilot of the Mong reported that he had seen the Pitts biplane ahead of him in the pattern, followed him through his base and final approach legs, and witnessed the Pitts land on the runway. The pilot of the Mong further reported that his biplane had bounced during his initial touchdown on the runway and he added power to correct for the discrepancy and to land in a three-point attitude. The pilot of the Mong reported that he had lost sight of the Pitts biplane during the landing and did not see it again until the impact. The Mong's right wing struck the Pitt's left wing. The Mong spun 180 degrees and slid backwards for 100 yards, during which time the tailwheel snapped in half, and the Pitts was also spun around on the runway.

The pilot of the Pitts biplane reported that he had landed and started a right turn off of the runway onto the taxiway when his airplane was struck from behind on its left wing.

Both biplanes received substantial damage.

Both of the biplane pilots reported that there were no pre impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with their airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot of the Mong also reported that he never heard a call on the radio to go around due to the spacing between the two landing biplanes.

Currently the race organizers are looking into a revised recovery procedure to ensure that runways are declared clear before subsequent aircraft touchdown on the runway surface.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA517 for the full record.