# NTSB GAA17CA223: Piper J3C, N88470, New Carlisle, OH, April 8, 2017

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: April 8, 2017, 15:00 local (19:00 UTC)
- Place: New Carlisle, OH
- Coordinates: 39.930278, -84.013336 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.9303&lon=-84.0133&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining events: [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Landing: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 2017
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents
- Parties: FAA
- NTSB case key (mKey): 94984
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA223
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94984/pdf
- NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94984
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA223

## Probable cause (aircraft 2)

The other pilot’s decision to land on an occupied runway and his failure to see and avoid the airplane.

## Probable cause (aircraft 1)

The pilot’s decision to land on an occupied runway and his failure to see and avoid the other airplane.

## 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 (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause), aircraft 1; 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)
- [Physical workspace: visibility](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020): Environmental issues › Task environment · Effect on personnel, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 25 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md)
- [Attention/monitoring: monitoring other aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot of other aircraft (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna 172F, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=2072414), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md)
- [Object/animal/substance: aircraft](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Effect on operation (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna 172F, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=2072414), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

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

- [Landing-landing roll: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Piper J3C-65, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=7100510), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)
- [Landing: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Cessna 172F, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=2072414), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md)

## Analysis (aircraft 2)

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper reported that his airplane was not equipped with a radio and that the forward visibility was not good when taxiing while piloting the airplane from the rear seat. He entered a left downwind for the runway, saw no other aircraft while on final, and continued to land. He added that, during the landing roll, as he turned to clear the runway, his airplane collided with a Cessna airplane that was taxiing on the same runway after having landed on it from the opposite direction. He reported that he did not see the Cessna before the collision. The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing's front spar. The pilot of the Cessna reported that, while flying local in the traffic pattern, he announced his position and intent to land on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency during all landings while simultaneously visually checking right and left for traffic. He added that, as he was taxiing on the runway toward the exit after landing, he saw the Piper land in the opposite direction on the same runway. Subsequently, the Piper turned diagonally across the runway toward the Cessna, and the two airplanes collided. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to its right wing. Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with either airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Analysis (aircraft 1)

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper reported that his airplane was not equipped with a radio and that the forward visibility was not good when taxiing while piloting the airplane from the rear seat. He entered a left downwind for the runway, saw no other aircraft while on final, and continued to land. He added that, during the landing roll, as he turned to clear the runway, his airplane collided with a Cessna airplane that was taxiing on the same runway after having landed on it from the opposite direction. He reported that he did not see the Cessna before the collision. The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing's front spar. The pilot of the Cessna reported that, while flying local in the traffic pattern, he announced his position and intent to land on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency during all landings while simultaneously visually checking right and left for traffic. He added that, as he was taxiing on the runway toward the exit after landing, he saw the Piper land in the opposite direction on the same runway. Subsequently, the Piper turned diagonally across the runway toward the Cessna, and the two airplanes collided. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to its right wing. Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with either airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative (aircraft 2)

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper, reported that his airplane was not equipped with a radio, and that the forward visibility is not good when taxiing, while piloting the airplane from the rear seat. He entered a left downwind for the runway, saw no other aircraft while on final, and continued to land. He added that during the landing roll, as he turned to clear the runway, his airplane collided with a Cessna airplane that was taxiing on the runway after having landed on the same runway, from the opposite direction. He reported that he did not see the Cessna prior to the collision. The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing's front spar. The pilot of the Cessna reported that while flying local in the traffic pattern he announced his position and intent to land on the airport's Common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) during all landings, while at the same time visually checking right and left for traffic. He added that as he was taxiing on the runway toward the exit after landing, he saw the Piper land in the opposite direction on the same runway. Subsequently, the Piper turned diagonally across the runway toward the Cessna, and the two airplanes collided. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to its right wing. Both pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with either airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Factual narrative (aircraft 1)

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped Piper, reported that his airplane was not equipped with a radio, and that the forward visibility is not good when taxiing, while piloting the airplane from the rear seat. He entered a left downwind for the runway, saw no other aircraft while on final, and continued to land. He added that during the landing roll, as he turned to clear the runway, his airplane collided with a Cessna airplane that was taxiing on the runway after having landed on the same runway, from the opposite direction. He reported that he did not see the Cessna prior to the collision. The Piper sustained substantial damage to the right wing's front spar. The pilot of the Cessna reported that while flying local in the traffic pattern he announced his position and intent to land on the airport's Common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) during all landings, while at the same time visually checking right and left for traffic. He added that as he was taxiing on the runway toward the exit after landing, he saw the Piper land in the opposite direction on the same runway. Subsequently, the Piper turned diagonally across the runway toward the Cessna, and the two airplanes collided. The Cessna sustained substantial damage to its right wing. Both pilots reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical failures or malfunctions with either airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

## Aircraft 1

- Registration: [N88470](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N88470), registered now, S/N 16094, 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: 16094
- Year built: 1946
- Airframe hours: 4461.7
- Engines: CONT MOTOR A65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 9, 2016
- Departed: 3OH0, New Carlisle, OH
- Destination: 3OH0, New Carlisle, OH
- Airport: 3OH0, Andy Barnhart Memorial, runway 10, 2,000 × 150 ft, grass/turf
- Equipment: None

## Aircraft 2

- Registration: [N8350U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8350U), registered now, S/N 17252250, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (F)
- Registry model: [Cessna 172F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172f) (registry code 2072414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17252250
- Year built: 1965
- Airframe hours: 3491.6
- Engines: CONT MOTOR O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 2016
- Departed: 3OH0, New Carlisle, OH
- Destination: 3OH0, New Carlisle, OH
- Airport: 3OH0, Andy Barnhart Memorial, runway 28, 2,000 × 150 ft, grass/turf
- Equipment: Stall warning system

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot, aircraft N88470; age 73; injuries: none; flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land, single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: sport pilot, unknown; last flight review November 14, 2015; seat: rear; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 9,000 total, 60 in this make and model, 8,000 as pilot in command
- Pilot, aircraft N8350U; age 77; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review October 11, 2016; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 2,400 total, 2,280 in this make and model, 2,400 as pilot in command, 9.6 in the last 90 days, 5.1 in the last 30 days, 0.4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 21 °F
- Altimeter: 30.07 inHg
- Observed at: KFFO, 6 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 20170408024472A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170408024472A), Apr 8, 2017: Piper J3C-65, New Carlisle, OH, Substantial damage. A Piper J3 cub was landing on runway 010 at New Carlisle (3OH0), while a Cessna 172 was landing in the opposite direction on runway 28. Neither pilot saw the…
- [Accident 20170408024489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170408024489A), Apr 8, 2017: Cessna 172F, New Carlisle, OH, Substantial damage. Both aircraft were landing on the same runway, in opposite directions. The wind was light and variable so either runway was appropriate. While in the pattern,…

## Docket (4 files)

The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 13, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94984. 2.7 MB in all.

- (A) Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 904 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453055&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=(A)%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- (B) Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 2, .PDF, 1.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453056&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=(B)%20Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF
- Accident Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 624 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453057&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos%20(Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF
- (A) Pilot's Statement (J3) (item 4, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40453058&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=(A)%20Pilot%27s%20Statement%20(J3)-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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