Collision
Two aircraft collided at an altitude of 4,500 feet MSL, with an impact angle of approximately 15 degrees from head-on. Meteorological conditions at the time included visual meteorological conditions (VMC) with 30 miles visibility and light winds from the west, as reported by the pilot.
Flight Paths
En route recorded data indicated that aircraft N39516 was on a true course of 180 degrees, while aircraft N1162N was on a true course of 346 degrees. Magnetic variation was approximately 7 degrees and 25 minutes east, resulting in approximated magnetic courses of 173 degrees for N39516 and 339 degrees for N1162N. According to Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 91.109, N39516 should have been maintaining an odd thousand feet MSL altitude plus 500 feet.
Structural Damage
The stabilator of N39516 separated from the vertical fin, leading to an uncontrolled descent. The left horizontal stabilator of N39516 violated the cabin of N1162N, fatally injuring the solo pilot aboard N1162N.
Post-Crash Fire
Aircraft N39516 was consumed by a post-crash fire.