Primary finding
Probable cause
The biplane pilot’s inadequate visual lookout, which resulted in an on-ground collision with another airplane while taxiing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The commercial pilot of the tailwheel-equipped biplane was in the runup pad adjacent to the taxiway, had just completed his pre takeoff checks, and was attempted to taxi into position to hold for takeoff. The private pilot of a low-wing airplane was already stopped at the hold short line of the departure runway. As the biplane pilot taxied out of the runup pad he performed several s-turn maneuvers and looked out the side of the cockpit to increase his limited forward visibility, but did not see the low-wing airplane. The biplane impacted the low-wing airplane, striking the right wing and aileron with the operating propeller, which resulted in substantial damage to the low-wing airplane.