Pilot Debrief

VANS AIRCRAFT INC RV-12 near Williamson, GA — 2012-11-10

Final reportERA13LA054
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Date
2012-11-10
Location
Williamson, GA, USA
Airport
GA2
Aircraft
VANS AIRCRAFT INC RV-12
Registration
N678AD
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in a midair collision.

NTSB narrative

An amateur-built Vans RV-12 (RV-12) intended to land at the non-towered airport, while a Boeing E75 (Stearman), which was the lead airplane in a flight of three Stearmans planned to over-fly the airport at the traffic pattern altitude as part of a fly-in event being held at the airport. The pilot of the RV-12 overflew the airport at an altitude of about 600 feet above the traffic pattern altitude and entered a right downwind for runway 13. Both pilots stated that they communicated their respective positions and intentions over the airport's common traffic advisory frequency. In addition, they were attempting to visually acquire each other when the two airplanes collided. Both pilots were subsequently able to land their respective airplanes without further incident. Examination of the airplanes revealed that the lower left side of the RV-12's fuselage just aft of the cowling, and the Stearman's rudder sustained substantial damage. The damage was consistent with the RV-12 flying on a northwest heading and Stearman flying on a northerly heading, at the time of the collision. Weather permitting, each pilot was required to maintain vigilance to see and avoid other aircraft. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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