Event Description
Two aircraft involved in the collision were part of a four-plane formation flight en route to a group fly-in. During the flight, N6439R was observed to change positions several times, while the other aircraft remained stable. Witnesses reported that N6439R made 'close approaches' and 'cross unders' of the other aircraft in the flight.
Pilot Statements
The pilot of N73708 stated that from off his right side, N6439R banked left to approach his aircraft. When the bank angle of N6439R had not changed at a distance of 50 yards, the pilot of N73708 said he initiated a hard evasive left turn. However, the propeller of N6439R struck the bottom of his aircraft.
The version of events provided by the pilot of N6439R was in disagreement with the evidence and the majority of witness accounts.
Witness Accounts
All three of the 100-hour private pilots involved in the formation reported that they were uncomfortable with the actions of the pilot of N6439R. However, they said that because he held a Commercial Pilot certificate with a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (COM/CFII) rating and had 900 hours of flight time, they thought 'he knew what he was doing.'