# NTSB GAA16CA058: Cessna 172, N4256Q, Greeley, CO, November 15, 2015

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: November 15, 2015, 10:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Greeley, CO
- Coordinates: 40.4375, -104.633331 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4375&lon=-104.6333&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining events: [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 14, 2016
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents
- Parties: Federal Aviation Administration
- NTSB case key (mKey): 92355
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA16CA058
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/92355/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92355
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA16CA058

## Probable cause (aircraft 2)

The pilot of the following airplane failed to maintain adequate spacing during the taxi to the runway, resulting in a collision with the lead airplane.

## Findings

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

- [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: [Cessna 172L, 24 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2072432), [All aircraft, 9,308 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Cessna 172L, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md?model=2072432), [All aircraft, 330 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: task monitoring/vigilance](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/cases.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 330 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021520/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: [Piper J3C-65, 43 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 9,308 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Ability to respond/compensate, aircraft 2; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md)
- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained, aircraft 2; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 23 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 3,969 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

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

- [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Cessna 172L, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2072432), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)
- [Taxi-to runway: Loss of visual reference](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 242 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/402/sequence.md)
- [Taxi-to runway: Attempted remediation/recovery](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 1,428 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/060/sequence.md)
- [Taxi-to runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)

## Analysis (aircraft 2)

According to the pilot of tandem cockpit, tailwheel-equipped Piper airplane, which he was operating from the rear seat, while taxiing to the runway his forward visibility was diminished by his airplane's nose, requiring the use of "S" turns in order to clear the area in front of the airplane. He reported that a Cessna airplane was in front of his airplane, and taxiing to the runway as well. He remarked that he and the Cessna were holding on the taxiway momentarily in order to monitor and give way to arriving and departing traffic. He reported that the Cessna moved forward, and he followed, but while entering the "S" turn, he lost sight of the Cessna. He remarked that he abruptly applied the right brake in order to avoid a collision, and his left wing impacted the Cessna's rudder. The pilot of the Cessna reported that during his taxi to the runway, his airplane was struck from behind by the Piper airplane. Both pilots shut down their airplanes, assessed the damage and exchanged information. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to the rudder, while the Piper sustained minor damage to the left wing. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

## Factual narrative (aircraft 2)

According to the pilot of tandem cockpit, tailwheel-equipped Piper airplane, which he was operating from the rear seat, while taxiing to the runway his forward visibility was diminished by his airplane's nose, requiring the use of "S" turns in order to clear the area in front of the airplane. He reported that a Cessna airplane was in front of his airplane, and taxiing to the runway as well. He remarked that he and the Cessna were holding on the taxiway momentarily in order to monitor and give way to arriving and departing traffic. He reported that the Cessna moved forward, and he followed, but while entering the "S" turn, he lost sight of the Cessna. He remarked that he abruptly applied the right brake in order to avoid a collision, and his left wing impacted the Cessna's rudder. The pilot of the Cessna reported that during his taxi to the runway, his airplane was struck from behind by the Piper airplane. Both pilots shut down their airplanes, assessed the damage and exchanged information. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to the rudder, while the Piper sustained minor damage to the left wing. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies prior to or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.

## Aircraft 1

- Registration: [N4256Q](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4256Q), registered now, S/N 17260156, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (L)
- Registry model: [Cessna 172L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172l) (registry code 2072432) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17260156
- Year built: 1971
- Airframe hours: 3988.2
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Aims Community College
- Registered owner: Burnham Cessna N4256q LLC.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 24, 2015
- Departed: GXY, Greeley, CO
- Destination: GXY, Greeley, CO
- Airport: GXY, Greeley-Weld County
- Equipment: Stall warning system

## Aircraft 2

- Registration: [N70522](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N70522), registered now, S/N 17528, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER J3C (65)
- Registry model: [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65) (registry code 7100510) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17528
- Year built: 1946
- Airframe hours: 2813
- Engines: CONT MOTOR C75-8F 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Minor damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Belleau, James R.
- Registered owner: Belleau, James R.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 2, 2015
- Departed: GXY, Greeley, CO
- Destination: GXY, Greeley, CO
- Airport: GXY, Greeley-Weld County
- Equipment: Electronic flight bag or handheld device

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Student pilot, aircraft N4256Q; age 40; injuries: none; commercial, private, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review April 18, 2014; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 1,208 total, 63 in this make and model, 1,114 as pilot in command
- Pilot, aircraft N70522; age 68; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; medical: sport pilot, unknown; last flight review March 2, 2009; seat: rear; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 2,510 total, 577 in this make and model, 2,450 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 27 °F
- Altimeter: 29.87 inHg
- Observed at: KGXY

## 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 20151115022962A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20151115022962A), Nov 15, 2015: Cessna 172L, Greeley, CO, Substantial damage. PIC was holding position short of the runway when an aircraft taxied into the rudder. See report number A-NM-03-16-011
- [Accident 20151115021872A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20151115021872A), Nov 15, 2015: Piper J3C-65, Greeley, CO, Minor damage. PIC stated that he became distracted during taxi while scanning for local pattern traffic. Compounded by the distraction was the limited visibility from the…

## Docket (3 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 8, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=92355. 10.3 MB in all.

- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N4256Q (item 1, .PDF, 1.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437418&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N4256Q-Master.PDF
- Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - N70522 (item 2, .PDF, 8.1 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437419&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20N70522-Master.PDF
- Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 313 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40437420&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-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.