CHI05LA128

NTSB accident investigation · Cessna T210N · Smith Center, KS · May 28, 2005

Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal report
Date
May 28, 2005, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC)
Place
Smith Center, KS
Injuries
3 uninjured
Phase of flight
Landing
Aircraft
N6366YCessna T210NN9886PPiper PA-25-235
Weather
Visual (VMC) · Day
Status
Completed · report March 28, 2006
Report
Approved by Office Director
Parties
FAA-Wichita FSDO
Case key
61638

From the NTSB’s public API. By law, NTSB reports can’t be used as evidence in lawsuits over the accident.

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Probable cause

Failure of the Piper airplane pilot to obtain visual separation from the Cessna airplane rolling out after landing on the intersecting runway resulting in a collision between the two aircraft. A contributing factor was the evasive maneuver attempted be the pilot of the Cessna.

Failure of the Piper airplane pilot to obtain visual separation from the Cessna airplane rolling out after landing on the intersecting runway resulting in a collision between the two aircraft. Contributing factors were the evasive maneuver attempted by the pilot of the Cessna and the runway light struck during that maneuver.

Sequence of events

NTSB’s coding before 2008: each occurrence and phase of flight, and the causes and factors under it. The codes are defined in NTSB’s coding manual.

Collision between aircraft (other than midair)Landing - roll
Visual separation - not maintainedPilot of other aircraftCause
Traffic advisory - not issuedPilot of other aircraft
Evasive maneuver - attemptedPilot in commandFactor
On ground/water collision with objectLanding - roll
Object - runway lightFactor
On ground/water encounter with terrain/waterLanding - roll
Terrain condition - ground
Collision between aircraft (other than midair)Landing - flare/touchdown
Visual separation - not obtainedPilot in commandCause
Traffic advisory - not issuedPilot in command
Evasive maneuver - attemptedPilot of other aircraftFactor

Analysis

A Cessna T210N airplane sustained substantial damage and a Piper PA-25 airplane was undamaged during an on-ground collision which occurred while both aircraft were landing on intersecting runways. The Cessna pilot reported that he made several position reports on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for the uncontrolled airport as the flight approached to land. He stated that he entered the traffic pattern and landed on runway 35. He reported that as the aircraft was rolling out after landing he observed the Piper aircraft landing on runway 14 to his immediate left. He noted that the Piper aircraft passed in front of his Cessna. He stated that he applied brakes and "swerved hard to the left," but was unable to avoid a collision. The Cessna pilot reported that his aircraft departed the left side of the pavement "slightly" where it struck a runway light before he regained control. The Piper pilot reported that he was landing on runway 14 while the Cessna aircraft was landing on runway 35. He stated that neither pilot saw the other aircraft involved, which resulted in a "minor" collision. The Piper aircraft was not equipped with a communications radio. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require pilots to "see and avoid" other aircraft when possible. Right-of-way rules (14 CFR 91.119) stated that when weather conditions permit "vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft." In addition, aircraft on final approach to land or in the process of landing "have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface, except that they shall not take advantage of this rule to force an aircraft off the runway surface which has already landed." The runway intersection was located approximately 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 35 and approximately 550 feet from the approach end of runway 14.

A Cessna T210N airplane sustained substantial damage and a Piper PA-25 airplane was undamaged during an on-ground collision which occurred while both aircraft were landing on intersecting runways. The Cessna pilot reported that he made several position reports on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for the uncontrolled airport as the flight approached to land. He stated that he entered the traffic pattern and landed on runway 35. He reported that as the aircraft was rolling out after landing he observed the Piper aircraft landing on runway 14 to his immediate left. He noted that the Piper aircraft passed in front of his Cessna. He stated that he applied brakes and "swerved hard to the left," but was unable to avoid a collision. The Cessna pilot reported that his aircraft departed the left side of the pavement "slightly" where it struck a runway light before he regained control. The Piper pilot reported that he was landing on runway 14 while the Cessna aircraft was landing on runway 35. He stated that neither pilot saw the other aircraft involved, which resulted in a "minor" collision. The Piper aircraft was not equipped with a communications radio. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require pilots to "see and avoid" other aircraft when possible. Right-of-way rules (14 CFR 91.119) stated that when weather conditions permit "vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft." In addition, aircraft on final approach to land or in the process of landing "have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface, except that they shall not take advantage of this rule to force an aircraft off the runway surface which has already landed." The runway intersection was located approximately 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 35 and approximately 550 feet from the approach end of runway 14.

Factual narrative

On May 28, 2005, about 1100 central daylight time, a Cessna T210N, N6366Y, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage, and a Piper PA-25-235, N9886P, piloted by a commercial pilot, was undamaged, when they collided at the intersection of runway 35 and runway 14 at Smith Center Municipal Airport (K82), Smith Center, Kansas. The Cessna was rolling out after landing on runway 35 (3,601 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) and the Piper was landing on runway 14 (2,453 feet by 75 feet, turf) when the accident occurred. The Cessna was being operated on a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The Piper was returning from a local aerial application flight under 14 CFR Part 137. Neither flight was on a flight plan at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and passenger on-board the Cessna and the pilot on-board the Piper were not injured.

The Cessna pilot reported that he made several position reports on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) as the flight approached K82. He stated that he entered the traffic pattern and landed on runway 35. He reported that as the aircraft was rolling out after landing he observed the second aircraft landing on runway 14 to his immediate left. He noted that the second aircraft passed in front of his Cessna. He stated that he applied brakes and "swerved hard to the left," but was unable to avoid a collision. The Cessna pilot reported that his aircraft departed the left side of the pavement "slightly" where it struck a runway light before he regained control.

The Piper pilot reported that some showers were passing through the area. He noted that he executed a go-around during his first approach because visibility had been reduced due to rain on the windshield. At the time of his second approach the shower had passed. He estimated the visibility at 10 statute miles at that time. He reported that he was landing on runway 14 while the Cessna aircraft was landing on runway 35. He stated that neither pilot saw the other aircraft involved, which resulted in a "minor" collision.

The Piper's right wing tip contacted the Cessna's right flap and right horizontal stabilizer resulting in substantial damage to the Cessna. The Piper airplane was undamaged in the collision.

The Piper aircraft was not equipped with a communications radio.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require pilots to "see and avoid" other aircraft when possible. Part 91.119, right-of-way rules, stated that when weather conditions permit "vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft." In addition, "aircraft, while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operation on the surface, except that they shall not take advantage of this rule to force an aircraft off the runway surface which has already landed."

The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) noted: "There is no substitute for alertness while in the vicinity of an airport. It is essential that pilots be alert and look for other traffic and exchange traffic information when approaching or departing an airport without an operating control tower. This is of particular importance since other aircraft may not have communication capability."

According to an airport diagram, the runway intersection was located approximately 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 35 and approximately 550 feet from the approach end of runway 14.

On May 28, 2005, about 1100 central daylight time, a Cessna T210N, N6366Y, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage, and a Piper PA-25-235, N9886P, piloted by a commercial pilot, was undamaged, when they collided at the intersection of runway 35 and runway 14 at Smith Center Municipal Airport (K82), Smith Center, Kansas. The Cessna was rolling out after landing on runway 35 (3,601 feet by 50 feet, asphalt) and the Piper was landing on runway 14 (2,453 feet by 75 feet, turf) when the accident occurred. The Cessna was being operated on a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91. The Piper was returning from a local aerial application flight under 14 CFR Part 137. Neither flight was on a flight plan at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot and passenger on-board the Cessna and the pilot on-board the Piper were not injured.

The Cessna pilot reported that he made several position reports on the common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) as the flight approached K82. He stated that he entered the traffic pattern and landed on runway 35. He reported that as the aircraft was rolling out after landing he observed the second aircraft landing on runway 14 to his immediate left. He noted that the second aircraft passed in front of his Cessna. He stated that he applied brakes and "swerved hard to the left," but was unable to avoid a collision. The Cessna pilot reported that his aircraft departed the left side of the pavement "slightly" where it struck a runway light before he regained control.

The Piper pilot reported that some showers were passing through the area. He noted that he executed a go-around during his first approach because visibility had been reduced due to rain on the windshield. At the time of his second approach the shower had passed. He estimated the visibility at 10 statute miles at that time. He reported that he was landing on runway 14 while the Cessna aircraft was landing on runway 35. He stated that neither pilot saw the other aircraft involved, which resulted in a "minor" collision.

The Piper's right wing tip contacted the Cessna's right flap and right horizontal stabilizer resulting in substantial damage to the Cessna. The Piper airplane was undamaged in the collision.

The Piper aircraft was not equipped with a communications radio.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations require pilots to "see and avoid" other aircraft when possible. Part 91.119, right-of-way rules, stated that when weather conditions permit "vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft." In addition, "aircraft, while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operation on the surface, except that they shall not take advantage of this rule to force an aircraft off the runway surface which has already landed."

The FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) noted: "There is no substitute for alertness while in the vicinity of an airport. It is essential that pilots be alert and look for other traffic and exchange traffic information when approaching or departing an airport without an operating control tower. This is of particular importance since other aircraft may not have communication capability."

According to an airport diagram, the runway intersection was located approximately 1,700 feet from the approach end of runway 35 and approximately 550 feet from the approach end of runway 14.

Aircraft · 2

Registration
N6366Y
Reported as
Cessna T210N
Category
Airplane
Serial number
21064354
Airframe hours
1,990
Engine
Continental TSIO-520R, reciprocating
Damage
Substantial damage
Flight
Personal · Part 91
Airworthiness certificate
Standard, Normal
Last inspection
Annual · May 1, 2004 · 75 hours before
Departed
63M · Hermann, MO
Destination
K82 · Smith Center, KS
Flight plan
IFR
Airport
K82 · Smith Center Municipal, runway 35, 3,601 × 50 ft, asphalt
Registration
N9886P
Reported as
Piper PA-25-235
Category
Airplane
Serial number
25-7556212
Airframe hours
4,514
Engine
Lycoming O540-G1A5, 260 horsepower, reciprocating
Damage
No damage
Flight
Aerial application · Part 137
Registered owner
Abbotts Ag Force Inc
Airworthiness certificate
Special, Restricted (Special)
Departed
K82 · Smith Center, KS
Airport
K82 · Smith Center Municipal, runway 14, 2,453 × 75 ft, grass/turf

Matched to the registry by N-number and the event date; the registry’s history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

Flight crew · 2

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

Role
Pilot, aircraft N6366Y
Age
57
Injuries
None
Certificate
Private
Airplane ratings
Single-engine land, Multi-engine land
Instrument ratings
Airplane
Medical
Class 3, With waivers/limitations
Last flight review
April 1, 2005
Seat
Left
Flight hours
1,706 total · 706 in this make and model · 1,706 as pilot in command · 25 in the last 90 days · 15 in the last 30 days · 0 in the last 24 hours
Role
Pilot, aircraft N9886P
Age
69
Injuries
None
Certificate
Commercial
Airplane ratings
Single-engine land
Medical
Class 2, Without waivers/limitations
Last flight review
May 1, 2003
Seat
Single
Flight hours
15,000 total · 9,000 in this make and model · 15,000 as pilot in command · 85 in the last 90 days · 30 in the last 30 days · 2 in the last 24 hours

Weather

Conditions
Visual (VMC) · Day
Wind
70° at 7 knots
Visibility
10 statute miles
Lowest ceiling
None
Temperature
64 °F, dew point 41 °F
Altimeter
29.96 inHg
Observed at
HDE, 48 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.