Incident Overview
A student pilot and a commercial pilot arranged to fly formation so the student could photograph the commercial pilot's aircraft. Before takeoff, they agreed on the plan: the student would fly straight and level in a Cessna 152 (N4861B) while the commercial pilot maneuvered a Cessna 150 (N704V6) around the student's plane. They intended to communicate using VHF frequency 122.9.
Flight Plan
The two pilots departed from the same airport. After departure, the commercial pilot joined up with the student's aircraft as planned. However, two-way communication was not established because the Cessna 150 could only receive transmissions on 122.9, not transmit. Despite this, they proceeded with the formation effort.
Collision
While flying on an easterly heading in formation, the commercial pilot's plane was positioned to the left and slightly below the student's aircraft. The two planes then converged, and their wings collided. The impact caused substantial damage to the student's Cessna 152, while the commercial pilot's Cessna 150 sustained minor damage.
Aftermath
Both pilots managed to land their aircraft safely. Neither pilot had any prior formal training or experience with formation flight.