Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA20CA094

Simsbury, CT, USA

Aircraft #1

N5776W

Piper PA28

Analysis

The flight instructor reported that, while the student pilot was landing, a car drove onto the runway and struck the left wing. Subsequently, the airplane nosed over. The vehicle's driver reported that he stopped at the entrance of the runway and looked left and right to make sure it was clear. While crossing the runway, he heard glass shatter and felt a heavy impact. He did not see the airplane until after the collision. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the empennage. The instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Factual Information

The flight instructor reported that, while the student pilot was landing, a car did not stop at the hold short line and drove onto the runway. The car struck the left wing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest on the runway. The driver of the vehicle reported that, he stopped at the entrance of the runway and checked left and right to make sure it was clear. While crossing the runway he heard glass shatter and a heavy impact. At no time did he see the airplane, until after the collision. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage and empennage. The flight instructor reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause and Findings

The automobile driver's incursion onto an active runway, which resulted in a collision with a landing airplane.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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