NTSB Factual Report

On October 20, 2001, at 1250 eastern daylight time, a North American SNJ-6, N453WA, registered to Warbird Adventures, Inc., of Kissimmee, Florida, collided on the ground with a Cessna CE-172-R, N64AF, registered to Aviation Training Enterprises of West Chicago, Illinois, after landing at Kissimmee Municipal Airport in Kissimmee, Florida. The introductory instructional flight of the SNJ-6 was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan on file. The instructional flight of the Cessna was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with an instrument flight plan on file. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The SNJ-6 sustained minor damage, and the certified flight instructor and dual student were not injured. The Cessna sustained substantial damage, and the certified flight instructor and private-rated pilot were not injured. The SNJ-6 departed Kissimmee about 1235, and the Cessna departed Kissimmee at 1030.

Reportedly, the Cessna landed on runway 6 and cleared the runway at taxiway Delta. The pilots contacted ground control and were advised to hold position. The flight instructor in the Cessna reported that another Cessna airplane was on the taxiway in front of their position taxiing from right to left. While waiting for further clearance, the flight instructor and private pilot in the Cessna began completing their after-landing checks. While doing so, their airplane was struck from behind by the SNJ-6. The tail section of the Cessna was lifted up over the cowling of the SNJ-6, and the propeller of the Cessna struck the runway.

The SNJ-6 was cleared to land on runway 6 behind Cessna N64AF. While on final approach, the pilot of the SNJ-6 observed the Cessna exit the runway on taxiway Delta. After landing, the pilot of the SNJ-6 saw the Cessna on the taxiway and stated it appeared to be rolling forward and beginning a turn to the right. The pilot of the SNJ-6 turned off the runway onto taxiway Delta on the taxiway centerline and lost sight of the Cessna. The SNJ-6 pilot contacted ground control to request taxi clearance, and the propeller of the SNJ-6 collided with the tail section of the Cessna.

The initial examination of both airplanes revealed the SNJ-6 sustained minor damage to the propeller and cowling. The Cessna's rudder, vertical stabilizer, elevator, and horizontal stabilizer were destroyed, the empennage displayed twisting up to the rear window, and the propeller was damaged.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the SNJ-6 pilot to maintain visual lookout, resulting in an on-ground collision with another airplane.