NTSB Factual Report

On March 26, 2005, at 1302 Pacific standard time, a North American AT-6C, N7055H, taxied for takeoff toward runway 26L and collided with a Cessna 172K, N7425G, that was awaiting takeoff clearance at the Chino Airport, Chino, California. The commercial pilot owned and operated the North American. Smoke Eagles, Inc., a Los Angeles, California, flying club, operated the Cessna, and a private pilot was flying it. The North American sustained minor damage and the Cessna sustained substantial damage. Neither pilot was injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed by either pilot. The flights were performed under the provision of 14 CFR Part 91, and were originating.

According to the North American pilot, the ground collision occurred after he had received a clearance to depart. The pilot stated that as he was taxiing toward the approach end of the runway his airplane's propeller sliced into the outboard portion of the Cessna's left wing, which he had not observed from his front seat position. The pilot indicated that he was the second airplane in a flight of two, and the lead airplane had already rolled onto the runway.

The Cessna pilot indicated that the accident occurred while he was standing short of the hold lines at the approach end of the runway and was awaiting clearance to take off. The North American approached from behind his position and impacted the Cessna's left wing with its propeller. The wing tip was destroyed, the left aileron was dislodged, and deformation occurred to the adjacent wing structure.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate clearance from obstacles while taxiing.