Beech D17S N4417S and Cessna 172S N545ER accident near Van Nuys, California

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper visual lookout during taxi, which resulted in an on-ground collision with another airplane.

The pilot of another airplane did not maintain a proper visual lookout during taxi, which resulted in an on-ground collision.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of a Beech airplane was located in the run-up area conducting a pre-takeoff run-up check when the pilot of a Cessna airplane taxied in front of the Beech and stopped at the runway hold short line. The pilot in the Beech was subsequently cleared by air traffic control to move up to and hold short of the hold short line. The pilot of the Beech applied power and taxied forward approximately 10 feet when he initiated a slight left turn and the airplane’s propeller impacted the left horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna. The Cessna’s horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged and the Beech airplane received minor damage. The pilot of the Beech reported that he never saw the Cessna prior to impact. Both pilots reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

The Beech airplane was located in the run-up area, and the pilot was conducting a pre-takeoff run-up check when the pilot of a Cessna airplane taxied in front of the Beech and stopped at the runway hold short line. The pilot of the Beech was subsequently cleared by an air traffic controller to move up to and hold short of the hold short line. The pilot of the Beech applied power and taxied forward about 10 feet when he initiated a slight left turn; the airplane’s propeller impacted the left horizontal stabilizer of the Cessna. The Cessna’s horizontal stabilizer was substantially damaged and the Beech airplane sustained minor damage. The pilot of the Beech reported that he never saw the Cessna prior to impact. Both pilots reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA031 for the full record.