# NTSB GAA17CA458: Randall Marvin L Vans RV 3A, N16MR, Spokane, WA, July 28, 2017 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: July 28, 2017, 13:15 local (20:15 UTC) - Place: Spokane, WA - Coordinates: 47.619998, -117.647781 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.6200&lon=-117.6478&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Taxi](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/250) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200); [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report October 31, 2017 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: General Aviation Accidents - Parties: FAA - NTSB case key (mKey): 95719 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=GAA17CA458 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/95719/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95719 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA17CA458 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The other pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance and visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the stationary airplane. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance and visual lookout while taxiing, which resulted in his airplane colliding with the stationary 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: [Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=05608U7), [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: [Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=05608U7), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: expectation/assumption](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md?model=05608U7), [All aircraft, 51 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md) - [Physical workspace: visibility](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020): Environmental issues › Task environment · Effect on personnel, aircraft 1; cases with it: [Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03041020/cases.md?model=05608U7), [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: [Wilts Gayle T RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=05632R2), [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: [Wilts Gayle T RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md?model=05632R2), [All aircraft, 116 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022040/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: expectation/assumption](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot of other aircraft, aircraft 2; cases with it: [Wilts Gayle T RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041525/cases.md?model=05632R2), [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-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=05608U7), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) - [Taxi-from runway: Ground collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Wilts Gayle T RV-3A, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md?model=05632R2), [All aircraft, 618 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/200/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) The pilots reported that, following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes and while taxiing to park, the lead airplane pilot reduced power to idle, and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side and continue to park. As the second airplane taxied past, the third airplane followed. The pilots added that the third airplane's pilot had limited forward visibility due to the airplane's nose attitude and that the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the third airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, which resulted in the third airplane's right wing and propeller colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator and the third airplane's propeller striking the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) The pilots reported that, following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes and while taxiing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle, and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side and continue to park. As the second airplane taxied past, the third airplane followed. The pilots added that the third airplane's pilot had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane and that the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the third airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, which resulted in the third airplane's right wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator and the third airplane's propeller striking the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) Following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes, the pilots reported that, while taxing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side, and continue to parking. As the 2nd airplane taxied past, the 3rd airplane followed. The pilots added that, the 3rd airplane had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane, and the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the 3rd airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, resulting in the 3rd airplane's right-wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator, and the propeller from the 3rd airplane struck the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) Following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes, the pilots reported that, while taxing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side, and continue to parking. As the 2nd airplane taxied past, the 3rd airplane followed. The pilots added that, the 3rd airplane had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane, and the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the 3rd airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, resulting in the 3rd airplane's right-wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator, and the propeller from the 3rd airplane struck the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N16MR](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N16MR), registered now, S/N 811-3, built 1988 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: RANDALL MARVIN L VANS RV 3A (UNDESIGNAT) - Registry model: [Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/randall-marvin-l-vans-rv-3a) (registry code 05608U7) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 811-3 - Year built: 1988 - Airframe hours: 2105 - Engines: Superior SLO-320-A1XC2 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, February 3, 2017 - Departed: SKA, Spokane, WA - Destination: SKA, Spokane, WA - Airport: SKA, Fairchild Afb - Equipment: Data recorder, Handheld GPS ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N6GT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N6GT), registered now, S/N 811-1, built 1983 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: WILTS GAYLE T RV-3A (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [Wilts Gayle T RV-3A](https://openairdocs.org/model/wilts-gayle-t-rv-3a) (registry code 05632R2) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane, amateur-built - Serial number: 811-1 - Year built: 1983 - Airframe hours: 2349.2 - Engines: Lycoming AEIO-L-320EIB 160 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Condition, November 12, 2016 - Departed: SKA, Spokane, WA - Destination: SKA, Spokane, WA - Airport: SKA, Fairchild Afb - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N16MR; age 51; injuries: none; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; last flight review June 10, 2016; seat: single; flight hours: 1,446 total, 1,015 in this make and model, 1,367 as pilot in command, 45 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days - Pilot, aircraft N6GT; age 55; injuries: none; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, without waivers/limitations; last flight review July 22, 2017; seat: single; restraint: 5-point; flight hours: 7,462 total, 500 in this make and model, 5,000 as pilot in command, 80 in the last 90 days, 45 in the last 30 days, 8 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 200° at 6 knots - Visibility: 9 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 37 °F - Altimeter: 30.02 inHg - Observed at: KSKA, 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 20170728024552A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170728024552A), Jul 28, 2017: Randall Marvin L VANS RV-3A, Fairchild Afb, WA, Minor damage. 4 Airplane aerobatic flight had landed and was taxiing to parking when the lead plane (N6GT) lost engine power. N16MR ran into the lead airplane (N6GT) causing… - [Accident 20170728010111A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20170728010111A), Jul 28, 2017: Wilts Gayle T RV-3A, Fairchild Afb, WA, Substantial damage. This was the lead plane (N6GT) of a 4 ship aerobatic team lost engine power while taxiing to parking. Plane behind (N16MR) ran into the lead plane causing… ## Other investigations on N16MR (1) 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. - [NTSB WPR25LA299](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA299), Sep 27, 2025: Vans RV3-A (N16MR), Torrington, WY, substantial damage, investigation ongoing ## Docket (3 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on October 4, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=95719. 2.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (A) (item 1, .PDF, 979 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40456810&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(A)-Master.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (B) (item 2, .PDF, 773 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40456811&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(B)-Master.PDF - Accident Photos (Courtesy of FAA) (item 3, .PDF, 2 photos, 309 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40456812&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Accident%20Photos%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.