Incident Overview
Two aircraft, N13MJ (lead) and N47MJ (chase), were engaged in a target-towing operation at an altitude of 14,000 feet. The lead aircraft was maintaining straight and level flight with the autopilot engaged while the chase aircraft positioned itself alongside the left side to observe the target attached to the left wing.
Collision Sequence
While moving forward and looking out the right window to check a light on the target, the chase pilot lost sight of the lead aircraft. He reduced power and began to back away, but during this maneuver, the chase aircraft's radome struck the top of the lead aircraft's flying tail. This impact jammed the flying tail control surface.
Lead Aircraft's Emergency Descent
Following the collision, the lead aircraft pitched down abruptly, losing approximately 6,000 feet of altitude before the pilot regained control and the aircraft resumed stable flight.
Emergency Landing and Ground Impact
During the subsequent emergency landing, the pilot extended the landing gear on short final approach. The aircraft then pitched over, struck the ground hard short of the runway, bounced, and entered a porpoising motion. The pilot added power to execute a go-around, but the aircraft began to roll. Power was reduced, and approximately 5,000 feet down the runway, the landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway.
Pilot Background
The pilot of the chase aircraft had not received military training and possessed no formal formation flight training.