Cessna 182T N411CP and Cessna 172S N694RR accident near San Diego, California

Probable cause

Both pilots’ failure to maintain a proper visual lookout while taxiing during nighttime conditions, which resulted in an on-ground collision.

NTSB analysis

Two Cessna airplanes collided while taxiing during nighttime operations. The Cessna 182T pilot reported that he was taxiing on taxiway H toward the runway when he suddenly noticed a white airplane, which was approaching from the right, appear in his windscreen. He applied maximum braking; however, his airplane's right wing impacted the other airplane's left wing. The Cessna 172S pilot, who was at the flight controls, and the pilot-rated passenger, who was obtaining an instrument clearance, reported that they were taxiing from the transit parking ramp onto taxiway H when they both felt the airplane lurch. Neither occupant of the Cessna 172S saw the Cessna 182T until after the impact occurred. Both pilots reported that their navigational and taxi lights were on at the time of the collision. A postaccident examination of the airport environment in similar lighting conditions to when the accident occurred revealed no airport obstructions that would have restricted the visibility of the pilots or affected their ability to see and avoid the other airplane.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA286 for the full record.