Event Details
Both aircraft were approaching from the south-southwest and were flying assigned headings. Neither aircraft had been assigned an altitude. Just prior to the collision, approach control instructed the C-402B pilot to fly a heading of 360 degrees to follow traffic and asked for his altitude. The pilot reported 2300 feet, at which point the controller stated, "You've got a Cherokee right there with you." The collision occurred approximately five seconds later.
Air Traffic Control Situation
In the TRACON facility, eight ATC personnel were on duty. Only three were assigned to control positions; the remainder were either on break or out for dinner. The accident controller was handling nine aircraft at the time. Both aircraft involved were within his control, had been assigned transponder codes, were radar identified, and had been assigned headings for sequencing. The only traffic advisory issued to either aircraft regarding the other was the controller's statement to the C-402B pilot immediately before the collision.
Aftermath
The Piper PA-28 executed a forced landing in a retention pond. The Cessna 402B landed without further incident.