What happened
The incident occurred involving N2553A, which was operating within a standard traffic pattern conducting routine touch-and-go landings. At the time of the event, this aircraft was executing a shallow left turn transitioning from the crosswind leg to the downwind leg.
Simultaneously, N32828 was maneuvering below the established traffic pattern altitude. This second aircraft was observed climbing in a direction that brought it toward the flight path of N2553A. The pilot of N32828 was flying westerly directly into the sun, a condition that can significantly impair visual acquisition of other aircraft.
The two aircraft collided in mid-air. The impact involved the right outboard wing panel of N2553A and the left outboard wing panel of N32828. The collision resulted in damage to both aircraft.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage confirmed the point of impact between the two aircraft. Investigators identified that the right outboard wing panel of N2553A struck the left outboard wing panel of N32828. No mechanical failures were reported as contributing factors to the collision itself.
Findings
Contributing factors included the maneuvering of N32828 below the traffic pattern and the visual obstruction caused by flying directly into the sun. The lack of visual separation between the two aircraft during these conflicting maneuvers led to the mid-air collision.