Introduction
A midair collision occurred between two light aircraft operating in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions modified by slight haze, high overcast, and a low sun angle near the airport. The aircraft involved were N6161M and N8267Q.
Sequence of Events
According to radar data and witness information, N6161M was performing lazy eight maneuvers in a normal practice area two miles east of the airport. Meanwhile, N8267Q was in a clockwise orbital descent for landing following a parachute jump plane.
On the east side of the airport, N8267Q deviated from its orbit and proceeded southeast. At the same time, N6161M completed the north end of its figure-eight pattern in a right turn away from the airport and proceeded south.
Collision
The two aircraft converged at approximately a 30-degree closing angle, with N6161M climbing and N8267Q descending. They collided at about 2,500 feet above ground level (AGL).