GAA17CA458

Factual narrative

Following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes, the pilots reported that, while taxing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side, and continue to parking. As the 2nd airplane taxied past, the 3rd airplane followed. The pilots added that, the 3rd airplane had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane, and the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the 3rd airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, resulting in the 3rd airplane's right-wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator, and the propeller from the 3rd airplane struck the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. The pilots reported that, following a formation flight and landing of four airplanes and while taxiing to park, the lead airplane reduced power to idle, and the engine quit. After multiple attempts to restart the engine, the lead pilot signaled the other pilots to pass on the left side and continue to park. As the second airplane taxied past, the third airplane followed. The pilots added that the third airplane's pilot had limited forward visibility due to the nose attitude of the airplane and that the pilot was unaware that the lead airplane was stationary. Subsequently, the third airplane passed the lead airplane with insufficient clearance, which resulted in the third airplane's right wing colliding with the lead airplane's left elevator and the third airplane's propeller striking the lead airplane's left wing. The lead airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. The pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplanes that would have precluded normal operation. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring other aircraft-Pilot - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Aircraft-Effect on operation - C
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Expectation/assumption-Pilot
• — Environmental issues-Task environment-Physical workspace-Visibility-Effect on personnel
• C Personnel issues-Psychological-Attention/monitoring-Monitoring other aircraft-Pilot of other aircraft - C
• C Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Aircraft-Effect on operation - C
• — Personnel issues-Action/decision-Info processing/decision-Expectation/assumption-Pilot of other aircraft