# NTSB WPR18LA144: Ryan Navion, N4356K, Jasper, AL, May 21, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 21, 2018, 12:30 local (17:30 UTC) - Place: Jasper, AL - Coordinates: 33.871944, -87.259719 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8719&lon=-87.2597&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Maneuvering: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250); [Enroute: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 3 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 5, 2019 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 97292 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR18LA144 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/97292/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97292 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA144 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The other pilot's failure to maintain clearance from another airplane in the formation flight due to sun glare. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from another airplane in the formation flight due to sun glare. ## 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: [Ryan NAVION, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=6150160), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Light condition: glare](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036030): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel (probable cause), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Ryan NAVION, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036030/cases.md?model=6150160), [All aircraft, 109 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036030/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: [North American NAVION, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=6150130), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) - [Light condition: glare](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036030): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on personnel (probable cause), aircraft 2; cases with it: [North American NAVION, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036030/cases.md?model=6150130), [All aircraft, 109 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03036030/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Ryan NAVION, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=6150160), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) - [Enroute: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [North American NAVION, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=6150130), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) Before takeoff for the practice formation flight of four airplanes, the lead pilot briefed all the pilots on instructions for the formation changes. The flight began as a finger-four, heavy-left formation with a separation between the airplanes of about 80 ft. As the airplanes neared their destination, the lead pilot called for the flight to maneuver to "parade," and the airplanes closed the separation between them to about 40 ft. The lead pilot then called for the flight to change to an echelon-right formation. The two pilots in the trail airplanes left of the lead airplane began their maneuver to the right to position themselves behind the airplane that was already in position on the right side of the lead airplane. During this maneuver, the pilot in the airplane opposite the right-side airplane lost sight of that airplane due to sun glare, and they subsequently collided.Both airplane were able to land at the destination airport. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) Before takeoff for the practice formation flight of four airplanes, the lead pilot briefed all the pilots on instructions for the formation changes. The flight began as a finger-four, heavy-left formation with a separation between the airplanes of about 80 ft. As the airplanes neared their destination, the lead pilot called for the flight to maneuver to "parade," and the airplanes closed the separation between them to about 40 ft. The lead pilot then called for the flight to change to an echelon-right formation. The two pilots in the trail airplanes left of the lead airplane began their maneuver to the right to position themselves behind the airplane that was already in position on the right side of the lead airplane. During this maneuver, the pilot in the airplane opposite the right-side airplane lost sight of that airplane due to sun glare, and they subsequently collided.Both airplane were able to land at the destination airport. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On May 21, 2018, about 1230 central daylight time, a white Ryan Navion N4356K, and a green North American Navion, N8995H, collided in midair near the Walker County Airport-Bevill Field (JFX), Jasper, Alabama. The white Navion's airline transport pilot and passenger were uninjured. The green Navion's private pilot was uninjured. The white Navion sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The green Navion sustained minor damage to the propeller and the underside of the left wing. Both airplanes were privately owned and operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal formation flight of four airplanes. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plans were filed by either pilot. The formation flight originated from Abernathy Field Airport (GZS) Pulaski, Tennessee, about 1130 destined for JFX. Both airplanes were part of a formation flight of four airplanes practicing for an upcoming airshow. All the pilots in the formation had been briefed by the lead pilot prior to takeoff and included instructions for formation changes. Upon arrival to the destination airport, the flight was in a finger-four, heavy left formation, see figure 1a. The lead airplane was in the #1 position. The green Navion was in the #2 position. The white Navion was in the #3 position and the last airplane was in the #4 position. The white Navion's pilot reported that when they were about five miles north of JFX, with "two airplanes" length separation of approximately 80 ft, the lead pilot called for the flight to maneuver to "parade" and the flight closed separation to approximately 40 ft. The lead pilot then called for the flight to change to an echelon right formation, see figure 1b. The pilot of the white Navion stated that he initiated a right bank and descended and decelerated to pass below and behind the green Navion, however due to sun glare he lost sight of the green Navion. He asked his passenger if she could see the green Navion. She told him it was right above them. He immediately pushed the nose down when the collision occurred. The pilot in the #4 position stated it initially appeared the white Navion was not low enough to pass underneath the green Navion. He thought to transmit a warning to the pilot of the white Navion but changed his mind when he saw the airplane had clearance. He further stated just as the white Navion passed underneath the green Navion, the white Navion climbed into the green Navion. After the collision, all four airplanes continued to JFX and landed without further incident. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On May 21, 2018, about 1230 central daylight time, a white Ryan Navion N4356K, and a green North American Navion, N8995H, collided in midair near the Walker County Airport-Bevill Field (JFX), Jasper, Alabama. The white Navion's airline transport pilot and passenger were uninjured. The green Navion's private pilot was uninjured. The white Navion sustained substantial damage to the right wing. The green Navion sustained minor damage to the propeller and the underside of the left wing. Both airplanes were privately owned and operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal formation flight of four airplanes. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plans were filed by either pilot. The formation flight originated from Abernathy Field Airport (GZS) Pulaski, Tennessee, about 1130 destined for JFX. Both airplanes were part of a formation flight of four airplanes practicing for an upcoming airshow. All the pilots in the formation had been briefed by the lead pilot prior to takeoff and included instructions for formation changes. Upon arrival to the destination airport, the flight was in a finger-four, heavy left formation, see figure 1a. The lead airplane was in the #1 position. The green Navion was in the #2 position. The white Navion was in the #3 position and the last airplane was in the #4 position. The white Navion's pilot reported that when they were about five miles north of JFX, with "two airplanes" length separation of approximately 80 ft, the lead pilot called for the flight to maneuver to "parade" and the flight closed separation to approximately 40 ft. The lead pilot then called for the flight to change to an echelon right formation, see figure 1b. The pilot of the white Navion stated that he initiated a right bank and descended and decelerated to pass below and behind the green Navion, however due to sun glare he lost sight of the green Navion. He asked his passenger if she could see the green Navion. She told him it was right above them. He immediately pushed the nose down when the collision occurred. The pilot in the #4 position stated it initially appeared the white Navion was not low enough to pass underneath the green Navion. He thought to transmit a warning to the pilot of the white Navion but changed his mind when he saw the airplane had clearance. He further stated just as the white Navion passed underneath the green Navion, the white Navion climbed into the green Navion. After the collision, all four airplanes continued to JFX and landed without further incident. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N4356K](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4356K), registered now, S/N NAV-4-1356, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: RYAN NAVION - Registry model: [Ryan NAVION](https://openairdocs.org/model/ryan-navion) (registry code 6150160) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: NAV-4-1356 - Year built: 1948 - Engines: Continental IO 520 285 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: None - Departed: KJFX, Jasper, AL - Destination: KJFX, Jasper, AL - Airport: KJFX, Walker County Airport-Bevill F, runway 09, 5,004 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Onboard weather, Handheld GPS, Auto-pilot, ADS-B ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N8995H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8995H), registered now, S/N NAV-4-995, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: NORTH AMERICAN NAVION (NO SERIES) - Registry model: [North American NAVION](https://openairdocs.org/model/north-american-navion) (registry code 6150130) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental E185 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-e185-series) (registry code 17014, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: NAV-4-995 - Year built: 1947 - Airframe hours: 4783.67 - Engines: Continental E185 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, May 9, 2017 - Departed: KJFX, Jasper, AL - Destination: JFX, JASPER, AL - Airport: KJFX, Walker County Airport-Bevill F, runway 09, 5,004 × 100 ft - Equipment: Handheld GPS ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N4356K; age 63; injuries: none; commercial, airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, unknown; last flight review October 22, 2017; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 13,959 total, 66.5 in this make and model, 4,657.3 as pilot in command, 170.6 in the last 90 days, 98 in the last 30 days, 5.9 in the last 24 hours - Pilot, aircraft N8995H; age 71; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review November 11, 2017; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 1,067 total, 805 in this make and model, 967 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 7 in the last 30 days, 0 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Temperature: 99 °F, dew point 70 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Turbulence: Moderate - Observed at: KJFX ## Docket (4 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on August 23, 2018, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=97292. 4.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (N4356K) (item 1, .PDF, 795 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465955&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(N4356K)-Master.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (N8995H) (item 2, .PDF, 3.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465956&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20(N8995H)-Master.PDF - Pilot's Statements (item 3, .PDF, 238 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465957&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%27s%20Statements-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 4, .PDF, 4 photos, 415 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40465958&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-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.