# NTSB CEN16CA126: Nakajima A6M2 Model 21, N8280K, Midland, TX, March 15, 2016

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: March 15, 2016, 15:50 local (20:50 UTC)
- Place: Midland, TX
- Coordinates: 31.93361, -102.20417
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.9336&lon=-102.2042&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining events: [Taxi: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Taxi: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 3, 2016
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 92849
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN16CA126
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92849/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92849
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN16CA126

## Probable cause (aircraft 2)

The Goodyear pilot did not see and avoid the Nakajima ahead on the taxiway.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=3730000), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=3730000), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: expectation/assumption](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md?model=3730000), [All aircraft, 51 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=3730000), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: expectation/assumption](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot of other aircraft, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md?model=3730000), [All aircraft, 51 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Goodyear FG1D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=3870512), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Goodyear FG1D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=3870512), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot, aircraft 2; cases with it: [Goodyear FG1D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=3870512), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md)
- [Info processing/decision: expectation/assumption](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot, aircraft 2; cases with it: [Goodyear FG1D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md?model=3870512), [All aircraft, 51 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Taxi: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=3730000), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)
- [Taxi: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Goodyear FG1D, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=3870512), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)

## Analysis (aircraft 2)

The six-ship formation of vintage World War II airplanes had completed their run-ups on the taxiway and were preparing for departure. A departure clearance was received from air traffic control and the six-ship formation proceeded to the runway for takeoff. The Goodyear "Corsair" airplane was sixth in formation and trailing the Nakajima "Zero" airplane. These tailwheel airplanes required the pilots to taxi in an S-turn pattern due to the limited forward visibility. As the Corsair pilot proceeded with the S-turn taxi to the runway, the Corsair overtook the Zero and collided with its tail. The Zero spun right about 270 degrees and came to rest. The Corsair stopped quickly and its propeller impacted the taxiway. The Zero sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the Corsair sustained minor damage. The pilots conducted an accident debrief and determined that a lack of "vigilance" was to blame. Both pilots reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframes or engines that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative (aircraft 2)

The six-ship formation of vintage World War II airplanes had completed their run-ups on the taxiway and were preparing for departure. A departure clearance was received from air traffic control and the six-ship formation proceeded to the runway for takeoff. The Goodyear "Corsair" airplane was sixth in formation and trailing the Nakajima "Zero" airplane. These tailwheel airplanes required the pilots to taxi in an S-turn pattern due to the limited forward visibility. As the Corsair pilot proceeded with the S-turn taxi to the runway, the Corsair overtook the Zero and collided with its tail. The Zero spun right about 270 degrees and came to rest. The Corsair stopped quickly and its propeller impacted the taxiway. The Zero sustained substantial damage to the empennage and the Corsair sustained minor damage. The pilots conducted an accident debrief and determined that a lack of "vigilance" was to blame. Both pilots reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframes or engines that would have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft 1

- Registration: [N8280K](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8280K-2024-11-04), registration cancelled 2024-11-04, S/N 1498, built 1941 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: NAKAJIMA A6M2 MODEL 21
- Registry model: [Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21](https://openairdocs.org/model/nakajima-a6m2-model-21) (registry code 3730000) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-1830 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-1830-series) (registry code 52020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1498
- Year built: 1941
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-1830-75 1350 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, July 9, 2015
- Departed: MAF, Midland, TX
- Destination: ABQ, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MAF, Midland Intl, runway 34L, 9,501 × 150 ft, asphalt
- Equipment: Handheld GPS

## Aircraft 2

- Registration: [N209TW](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N209TW), registered now, S/N 92489, built 1945 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: GOODYEAR FG1D
- Registry model: [Goodyear FG1D](https://openairdocs.org/model/goodyear-fg1d) (registry code 3870512) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Pratt & Whitney R-2800 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/pratt-whitney-r-2800-series) (registry code 52026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 92489
- Year built: 1945
- Airframe hours: 1963
- Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2800 2000 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Positioning, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Condition, July 9, 2015
- Departed: MAF, Midland, TX
- Destination: ABQ, ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: MAF, Midland Intl
- Equipment: Handheld GPS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot, aircraft N8280K; age 60; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review August 7, 2015; seat: single; flight hours: 30,000 total, 260 in this make and model, 28,000 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours
- Pilot, aircraft N209TW; age 60; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 1, 2015; seat: single; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 22,081 total, 251 in this make and model, 21,066 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 18 knots, gusting 37
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 14 °F
- Altimeter: 29.93 inHg
- Observed at: KMAF, 1 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 20160315007322A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160315007322A), Mar 15, 2016: Nakajima A6M2 MODEL 21, Midland, TX, Substantial damage. N8280K (zero) was taxing in front of N209TW (corsair) to the runway. N8280K stopped at the hold short line and did not notify N209TW that he had stopped and…
- [Accident 20160315008742A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20160315008742A), Mar 15, 2016: Goodyear FG1D, Midland, TX, Substantial damage. N8280K (zero) was taxiing for takeoff in front of N209TW (corsair). N8280K stopped and N8280ZK ran into the tail of N8280K causing substantial damage.

## Docket (4 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on April 7, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92849. 6.7 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N209TW (item 1, .PDF, 1.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438566&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N209TW-Master.PDF
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N8280K (item 2, .PDF, 1.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438567&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N8280K-Master.PDF
- Airport Diagram (item 3, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438568&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Airport%20Diagram-Master.PDF
- Photos (item 4, .PDF, 2 photos, 3.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40438569&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos-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.

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