Accident Overview
Two Cessna 152 aircraft, registered as N45928 and N6479L, were involved in a midair collision at Merrill Field. Both aircraft were piloted by student pilots.
Sequence of Events
N45928 was inbound to land on runway 33, while N6479L was departing from runway 15. The pilot of N6479L was cleared for a 'City High' departure. After takeoff, N6479L turned eastbound and converged with N45928, which was on a westerly heading. N45928 had been instructed to enter traffic to land on runway 33.
Tower personnel advised each pilot of the other aircraft's position; however, neither pilot saw the other aircraft until just prior to the collision.
Collision and Damage
The vertical stabilizer of N6479L struck the lower fuselage of N45928. Both aircraft sustained damage from the impact.
Outcome
Both aircraft landed safely. The pilot of N6479L experienced some difficulty during landing because the rudder had become jammed.
No injuries were reported in the source.