What happened
The accident occurred when a Cessna 185 was attempting a steep climbout during takeoff from runway 21, while a Mooney M-20 was simultaneously making a landing approach to the same runway. A third aircraft attempted to warn both pilots of the potential conflict by transmitting three calls over the UNICOM frequency. Neither pilot responded to these warnings, and both continued their respective operations.
The mid-air collision took place approximately 400 feet from the approach end of runway 31. Following the impact, both aircraft came to rest about 1,300 feet down the runway in a grassy area between the taxiway. Both aircraft were destroyed by fire upon impact.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage revealed specific damage patterns consistent with the collision dynamics. The left outboard wing panel of the Mooney M-20 was struck several times by the propeller blades of the Cessna 185. Additionally, the vertical fin of the Cessna 185 was found deflected to the left of its installed position.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to this accident was the failure of both pilots to respond to radio warnings from a third aircraft attempting to prevent the conflict. This lack of communication and situational awareness during critical takeoff and landing phases directly led to the mid-air collision.