# NTSB CEN09IA161: Piper PA28, N55502, Fairmont, NE, February 7, 2009 - Type: NTSB incident investigation - Classification: Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report - Date: February 7, 2009, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Fairmont, NE - Coordinates: 40.573333, -97.568885 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.5733&lon=-97.5689&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Approach-VFR pattern final: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250); [Approach-VFR pattern final: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 23, 2010 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Central Region - Parties: FAA Lincoln FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 73341 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09IA161 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/73341/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=73341 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09IA161 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) Both pilots' failure to see and avoid the other aircraft. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) Both pilots' failure to see and avoid the other aircraft. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Action: lack of action](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna 150K, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md?model=2071822), [All aircraft, 792 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041030/cases.md) - [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Student/instructed pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna 150K, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=2071822), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-180, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=7102808), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) - [Approach-VFR pattern final: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna 150K, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=2071822), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) The pilot of N55502, a low-wing airplane, said that he was on final approach at about 400 feet above ground level when he felt a mild jolt and heard a noise. The pilot discovered a flat tire immediately after touchdown, but taxied to the ramp in that condition. The pilot said he was not aware of the collision until after the postflight inspections of both airplanes. The pilot of the other airplane, N5757G, a high-wing airplane, said that he saw the other airplane immediately after the collision and that he landed second and followed N55502 to the ramp. N55502 sustained minor damage to the left main gear wheel pant and left main tire. N5757G sustained minor damage to both propeller tips and superficial damage to the top of the right wing. Both pilots said that they had flown a standard traffic pattern and that they had been making position announcements on the multicom radio frequency of 122.900. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The pilot of N55502, a low-wing airplane, said that he was on final approach at about 400 feet above ground level when he felt a mild jolt and heard a noise. The pilot discovered a flat tire immediately after touchdown, but taxied to the ramp in that condition. The pilot said he was not aware of the collision until after the postflight inspections of both airplanes. The pilot of the other airplane, N5757G, a high-wing airplane, said that he saw the other airplane immediately after the collision and that he landed second and followed N55502 to the ramp. N55502 sustained minor damage to the left main gear wheel pant and left main tire. N5757G sustained minor damage to both propeller tips and superficial damage to the top of the right wing. Both pilots said that they had flown a standard traffic pattern and that they had been making position announcements on the multicom radio frequency of 122.900. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On February 7, 2009, about 1400 central standard time, a Piper 28-180, N55502, registered to Blue Valley Flying Club, Inc., collided in-flight with a Cessna 150K, N5757G, registered to a private individual, when both airplanes were on final approach to landing on runway 35 at Fairmont State Airfield (FMZ), Fairmont, Nebraska. There were no injuries to the two pilots, who were the only persons onboard, and both airplanes sustained minor damage Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for either of the two 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights. N55502 had departed Hebron Municipal Airport (HJH) Hebron Nebraska and N5757G had departed from Crete Municipal Airport (CEK) Crete, Nebraska. The pilot of N55502, the low wing airplane, was on final approach at about 400 feet above ground level (AGL) when he felt a mild jolt and heard a noise. The pilot discovered a flat tire immediately after touchdown, but taxied to the ramp in that condition. N55502 said he was not aware of the collision until after the post flight inspections of both airplanes. The pilot of N5757G, the high wing airplane, said he saw the other airplane immediately after the collision. He landed second and followed N55502 to the ramp. N55502 sustained minor damage to the left main gear wheel pant and left main tire. N5757G sustained minor damage to both propeller tips and superficial damage to the top of the right wing. Both pilots said they had flown a standard traffic pattern. Both pilots said they had been making position announcements on the multicom radio frequency of 122.900. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On February 7, 2009, about 1400 central standard time, a Piper 28-180, N55502, registered to Blue Valley Flying Club, Inc., collided in-flight with a Cessna 150K, N5757G, registered to a private individual, when both airplanes were on final approach to landing on runway 35 at Fairmont State Airfield (FMZ), Fairmont, Nebraska. There were no injuries to the two pilots, who were the only persons on board, and both airplanes sustained minor damage Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for either of the two 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flights. N55502 had departed Hebron Municipal Airport (HJH) Hebron Nebraska and N5757G had departed from Crete Municipal Airport (CEK) Crete, Nebraska. The pilot of N55502, the low wing airplane, was on final approach at about 400 feet above ground level (AGL) when he felt a mild jolt and heard a noise. The pilot discovered a flat tire immediately after touchdown, but taxied to the ramp in that condition. N55502 said he was not aware of the collision until after the post flight inspections of both airplanes. The pilot of N5757G, the high wing airplane, said he saw the other airplane immediately after the collision. He landed second and followed N55502 to the ramp. N55502 sustained minor damage to the left main gear wheel pant and left main tire. N5757G sustained minor damage to both propeller tips and superficial damage to the top of the right wing. Both pilots said they had flown a standard traffic pattern. Both pilots said they had been making position announcements on the multicom radio frequency of 122.900. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N55502](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N55502), registered now, S/N 28-7305401 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA28 (180) - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-180](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-180) (registry code 7102808) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming O&VO-360 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-vo-360-series) (registry code 41514, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-7305401 - Engines: LYCOMING O360 reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Departed: HJH, Hebron, NE - Destination: KFMZ, Fairmont, NE - Airport: KFMZ, Fairmont State Airfield, runway 35, 4,316 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N5757G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5757G), registered now, S/N 15071257, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 150 (K) - Registry model: [Cessna 150K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150k) (registry code 2071822) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15071257 - Airframe hours: 3343 - Engines: CONTINENTAL O200 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 2008, 20 hours before - Departed: CEK, Crete, NE - Destination: KFMZ, Fairmont, NE - Airport: KFMZ, Fairmont State Airfield, runway 35, 4,316 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N55502; age 80; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 26, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 2,601 total, 500 in this make and model, 2,556 as pilot in command, 5 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours - Student pilot, aircraft N5757G; age 59; injuries: none; student; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 7, 2009; seat: left; flight hours: 56 total, 54 in this make and model, 15 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 320° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 30 °F - Altimeter: 30.05 inHg - Observed at: KLNK, 40 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (2) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20090207001541A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090207001541A), Feb 7, 2009: Piper PA28180, Fairmont, NE, Minor damage. On February 7, 2007 at approximately 14:00 CST, a Cessna 150, N5757G and a Piper PA28-180, N55502 lost separation while on approach to runway 35 at Fairmont… - [Accident 20090207001552A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20090207001552A), Feb 7, 2009: Cessna 150K, Fairmont, NE, Minor damage. On February 7, 2007 at approximately 14:00 CST, a Cessna 150, N5757G and a Piper PA28-180, N55502 lost separation while on approach to runway 35 at Fairmont… ## Docket (8 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on February 24, 2010, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=73341. 3.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Report NTSB Form 6120.1 N55502 (item 1, .PDF, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325722&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Report%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20N55502-Redacted.PDF - Pilot/Operator Report NTSB Form 6120.1 N5757G (item 2, .PDF, 588 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325671&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Report%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20N5757G-Redacted.PDF - Map 1 - Fairmont State Airfield (item 3, .PDF, 263 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325715&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Map%201%20-%20Fairmont%20State%20Airfield-Master.PDF - Map 2 - Flight Path Hebron to Fairmont (item 4, .PDF, 166 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325716&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Map%202%20-%20Flight%20Path%20Hebron%20to%20Fairmont-Master.PDF - Photo 1 - Propeller on N55502 (item 5, .PDF, 160 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325718&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Propeller%20on%20N55502-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Left Main Tire N5757G (item 6, .PDF, 380 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325719&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Left%20Main%20Tire%20N5757G-Master.PDF - Photo 3 - Tire Mark on R Wing of N55502 (item 7, .PDF, 137 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325720&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%203%20-%20Tire%20Mark%20on%20R%20Wing%20of%20N55502-Master.PDF - FAA Inspector's Statement (item 8, .PDF, 9 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40325672&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%27s%20Statement-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.