What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was departing an airport control zone and operating under instrument flight rules. The flight was being managed by a terminal radar approach control facility. During this phase of operations, air traffic control advised the pilot of approaching traffic located at the one o'clock position, approximately two and a half miles away.
While searching for the reported aircraft, the pilot observed another aircraft on a collision course positioned at her nine to ten o'clock location. To avoid impact, she executed a diving right turn. During this maneuver, the wingtip of the other aircraft struck and severed the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator from her aircraft. Following the structural damage, the pilot attempted to land twice but was unsuccessful. On a subsequent attempt, she managed to land the damaged aircraft without further incident.
The investigation
The primary mechanical finding was the separation of the left horizontal stabilizer and elevator due to contact with another aircraft's wingtip during an evasive maneuver.