Accident Details
A midair collision occurred near Silver Creek, New York, involving two aircraft. The Piper, registered as N4089P, and the Cessna, registered as N96268, collided approximately 4.6 miles northeast of the Dunkirk Airport, an uncontrolled facility. Both aircraft were proceeding inbound toward the airport at the time of the collision.
Witnesses observed the two aircraft converge and collide. The Piper crossed under the Cessna at an altitude of about 2,000 feet MSL (1,400 feet AGL). The impact caused the Cessna to lose approximately 2 feet of its right wing. The Piper lost its left wing outboard of the nacelle, as well as its vertical fin and rudder.
Aircraft and Occupants
The pilot of the Piper (N4089P) was flying from the left seat while using an instrument hood, with a safety pilot occupying the right seat. The pilot of the other aircraft (N96268) was on a pleasure flight accompanied by his daughter. No radio calls were known to have been made by either aircraft before, during, or after the collision.
Wreckage
Both aircraft came to rest on the ground approximately 400 yards apart. They crashed out of control in wooded areas. Other pilots in the vicinity described the visibility as good, with an overcast sky and no sun glare.