What happened
The incident involved two aircraft operating in close proximity to an airport. N9367K was on departure, climbing out to begin aerial application operations. At the same time, N6533K was preparing to enter the traffic pattern for landing and reloading.
Visual positioning indicated that N9367K was above and approaching N6533K from the forward left quarter. Conversely, N6533K was below and approaching N9367K from the forward right quarter. The collision occurred at approximately 500 feet above ground level, about one and a half miles from the airport.
Witnesses reported that neither aircraft took evasive action prior to impact. Both aircraft sustained significant structural damage and descended to the ground in uncontrolled flight.
The investigation
Investigation of the event focused on the relative positions and movements of the two aircraft at the time of collision. Analysis confirmed that the aircraft were converging from different quarters, with one climbing and the other descending into the traffic pattern.
Findings
The primary factors contributing to the accident included the failure of both pilots to see and avoid each other during critical phases of flight. The lack of evasive action by either crew suggests a loss of situational awareness or an inability to react in time to prevent the collision.