# NTSB WPR18LA267: Aero Vodochody L39, N139UK, Reno, NV, September 14, 2018 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: September 14, 2018, 10:04 local (17:04 UTC) - Place: Reno, NV - Coordinates: 39.71389, -119.866386 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.7139&lon=-119.8664&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining events: [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250); [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 8, 2020 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 98316 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR18LA267 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/98316/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98316 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR18LA267 ## Probable cause (aircraft 2) The pilot of the race 13 airplane's failure to maintain clearance from the race 37 airplane during the closed course air race. ## Probable cause (aircraft 1) The pilot of the race 13 airplane's failure to maintain clearance from the race 37 airplane during the closed course air race. ## 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: [Aero Vodochody L39C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=05620RN), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/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: [Aero Vodochody L-39, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md?model=05603SJ), [All aircraft, 231 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02021540/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 1; cases with it: [Aero Vodochody L39C, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=05620RN), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering-low-alt flying: Midair collision](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250) (defining event), aircraft 2; cases with it: [Aero Vodochody L-39, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md?model=05603SJ), [All aircraft, 196 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/250/sequence.md) ## Analysis (aircraft 2) During the closed course air race, the pilot of the race 13 airplane announced that he was passing the race 37 airplane on his right. A video recording of the midair collision showed that, as the two airplanes approached one of the racecourse pylons, race 13 was in a slight left bank behind race 37, which was in a level attitude. Shortly after, race 37 initiated a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just before the collision, race 13 rolled out of the turn to an almost level attitude. The two airplanes then collided, which resulted in damage to the right wing and aileron of race 37 and damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage of race 13. Both airplanes landed uneventfully after the collision. The pilot of race 13 failed to maintain adequate separation from race 37 while overtaking the other airplane. ## Analysis (aircraft 1) During the closed course air race, the pilot of the race 13 airplane announced that he was passing the race 37 airplane on his right. A video recording of the midair collision showed that, as the two airplanes approached one of the racecourse pylons, race 13 was in a slight left bank behind race 37, which was in a level attitude. Shortly after, race 37 initiated a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just before the collision, race 13 rolled out of the turn to an almost level attitude. The two airplanes then collided, which resulted in damage to the right wing and aileron of race 37 and damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage of race 13. Both airplanes landed uneventfully after the collision. The pilot of race 13 failed to maintain adequate separation from race 37 while overtaking the other airplane. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 2) On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950. During an in person interview, the pilot of race 13 reported that he was observing the pilot of race 37 flying a tight line on the course and he was observing his line throughout the race, and announced on the race frequency that he was passing race 37 on the right. The pilot said that he had sight of race 37 at all times and that during the 5th lap, in an area of pylon 4, he thought the pilot of race 37 may have rolled right prior to the collision. Following the collision, the pilot of race 13 declared an emergency and landed uneventfully. During an in person interview, the pilot of race 37 reported that during the 4th lap, while passing pylon 7, he recalled hearing the pilot of race 13 state that he was on his right. The pilot said that during the 5th lap, as he was passing pylon 4, it felt like a car crash and that he never saw race 13. Shortly after, he heard the pilot of race 13 declare a mayday and he decided to declare mayday as well, while noting sluggish control responsiveness. The pilot of race 37 was able to land uneventfully. Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude. Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage. ## Factual narrative (aircraft 1) On September 14, 2018, about 1004 Pacific daylight time, a Aero Vodochody L39C, N139UK, operating as Race 13, and an Aero Vodochody L39, N139PJ, operating as Race 37 collided in midair about 3 miles north of the Reno Stead Airport (RTS), Reno, Nevada. The airline transport pilot of Race 13 and the airline transport pilot of Race 37 were not injured. Race 13 sustained minor damage to the left side of the fuselage and bottom of the left wing; race 37 sustained substantial damage to the right wing and empennage. Race 13 was registered to Black Rock Aero LLC and race 37 was registered to MPE Enterprises Corporation. Both airplanes were operated by the pilots as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 air race flights. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for either airplane, which originated from RTS at 0950.During an in person interview, the pilot of race 13 reported that he was observing the pilot of race 37 flying a tight line on the course and he was observing his line throughout the race, and announced on the race frequency that he was passing race 37 on the right. The pilot said that he had sight of race 37 at all times and that during the 5th lap, in an area of pylon 4, he thought the pilot of race 37 may have rolled right prior to the collision. Following the collision, the pilot of race 13 declared an emergency and landed uneventfully. During an in person interview, the pilot of race 37 reported that during the 4th lap, while passing pylon 7, he recalled hearing the pilot of race 13 state that he was on his right. The pilot said that during the 5th lap, as he was passing pylon 4, it felt like a car crash and that he never saw race 13. Shortly after, he heard the pilot of race 13 declare a mayday and he decided to declare mayday as well, while noting sluggish control responsiveness. The pilot of race 37 was able to land uneventfully. Review of video that was captured by a witness revealed that race 37 appeared to be in a level attitude while nearing pylon 4, and race 13 appeared to be in a slight left bank, behind race 37. Shortly after, race 37 was observed initiating a left bank, while race 13 was rapidly approaching race 37 from behind. Just prior to the collision, race 13 was observed rolling out of the turn to an almost level attitude. Examination of Race 37 revealed that the outboard 24 inches of the right wing and right aileron were separated from the airplane. Additional damage to the bottom portion of the vertical stabilizer and the leading edge of the left horizontal stabilizer was observed. Examination of Race 13 revealed damage to two inspection panels and fairings on the forward left side of the fuselage. ## Aircraft 1 - Registration: [N139UK](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N139UK), registered now, S/N 031822, built 1982 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aero Vodochody L39 (C) - Registry model: [Aero Vodochody L39C](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-vodochody-l39c) (registry code 05620RN) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Ivchenko AI-25TL](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ivchenko-ai-25tl) (registry code 34703, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 031822 - Year built: 1982 - Engines: Ivencheko AI-25-TL 3792 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Minor damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Departed: RTS, Reno, NV - Destination: RTS, Reno, NV - Airport: RTS, Reno/Stead ## Aircraft 2 - Registration: [N139PJ](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N139PJ), registered now, S/N 232226 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aero Vodochody L 39 - Registry model: [Aero Vodochody L-39](https://openairdocs.org/model/aero-vodochody-l-39) (registry code 05603SJ) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Ivchenko AI-25TL](https://openairdocs.org/engine/ivchenko-ai-25tl) (registry code 34703, turbo-fan) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 232226 - Year built: 1982 - Airframe hours: 2296.3 - Engines: Ivchenko AL25TL 3800 lbs thrust turbo fan - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Air race/show, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special) - Last inspection: Annual, May 2, 2018 - Departed: RTS, Reno, NV - Destination: RTS, Reno, NV - Airport: RTS, Reno/Stead ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot, aircraft N139UK; age 61; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine sea, multi-engine land, single-engine land, multi-engine sea; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, with waivers/limitations; seat: front; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 4,137 total, 50 in this make and model, 3,835 as pilot in command, 51 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours - Pilot, aircraft N139PJ; age 44; injuries: none; airline transport; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review February 18, 2018; seat: front; restraint: 4-point; flight hours: 6,100 total, 70 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command, 55 in the last 90 days, 24 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 100° at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 21 °F - Altimeter: 30.04 inHg - Observed at: KRTS, 3 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). - [Incident 20180914019081I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180914019081I), Sep 14, 2018: Aero Vodochody L39C, Reno, NV, Minor damage. Whilst flying under the waivered "jet class heat" of the 2018 national championship Reno air races, Aero Vodochody L-39, N139UK and N139PJ collided near pylon… - [Accident 20180914016271A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20180914016271A), Sep 14, 2018: Aero Vodochody L-39, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Whilst flying under the waivered "jet class heat" of the 2018 national championship Reno air races, Aero Vodochody L-39, N139UK and N139PJ collided near pylon… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 14, 2020, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=98316. 10.5 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Race 13 Pilot (item 1, .PDF, 5.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40479848&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Race%2013%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation Pilot of Race 13 (item 2, .PDF, 86 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40479849&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20Pilot%20of%20Race%2013-Master.PDF - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 - Race 37 Pilot (item 3, .PDF, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40479850&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1%20-%20Race%2037%20Pilot-Master.PDF - Record of Conversation - Pilot of Race 37 (item 4, .PDF, 53 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40479851&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Pilot%20of%20Race%2037-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 5, .PDF, 404 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40479852&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - Video Review Summary (item 6, .PDF, 152 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40479853&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Video%20Review%20Summary-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.