The PA46 pilot was stopped on the taxiway at the airport in Brookshire, Texas, behind another airplane when a P-51 hit his airplane from behind.
After the collision, the P-51 pilot told the PA46 pilot that he did not see the PA46.
The P-51 pilot told investigators that he was taxiing to the runway and was aware of two other airplanes taxiing ahead of him. He told them he was “taxiing at idle speed, making long S turns, and making sure to clear all aircraft ahead.”
The first airplane in line departed and he continued taxiing toward the run-up area and was unaware that the second airplane was stopped on the taxiway.
The P-51 collided with the empennage of the PA46 and the pilot applied the brakes to stop the airplane. The PA46 sustained substantial damage to the empennage.
Probable Cause: The P51 pilot’s failure to see and avoid the PA46 during taxi operations.
NTSB Identification: 106512
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This December 2022 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
