Amateur-built VANS RV 3A N16MR and Amateur-built RV-3A N6GT accident near Spokane, Washington

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance and visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the stationary airplane.

The other pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance and visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the stationary airplane.

NTSB analysis

The pilots reported that, following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes and while taxiing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle, and the engine quit.

After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side and continue to park. As the second airplane taxied past, the third airplane followed.

The pilots added that the third airplane's pilot had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane and that the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the third airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, which resulted in the third airplane's right wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator and the third airplane's propeller striking the lead airplane's left wing.

The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.

The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilots reported that, following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes and while taxiing to park, the lead airplane pilot reduced power to idle, and the engine quit.

After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side and continue to park. As the second airplane taxied past, the third airplane followed.

The pilots added that the third airplane's pilot had limited forward visibility due to the airplane's nose attitude and that the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the third airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, which resulted in the third airplane's right wing and propeller colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator and the third airplane's propeller striking the lead airplane's left wing.

The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.

The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA458 for the full record.