Casualties unknown

Midair Collision Between Rockwell and Piper Aircraft (N5216Y)

Dover, DE, US

On March 29, 1987, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5216Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Dover, DE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A Rockwell aircraft in level flight and a climbing Piper collided midair at a 60-degree angle, damaging the Piper's left tip tank. Both pilots reported not seeing the other aircraft before impact.

Accident Details

A midair collision occurred between a Rockwell aircraft and a Piper aircraft. The Rockwell was in level flight at an altitude of 2,800 feet, while the Piper was climbing at the time of the collision. Neither aircraft was operating under air traffic control (ATC). Both pilots reported not seeing the other aircraft before the collision occurred.

Sequence of Events

The collision involved the bottom of the Rockwell's cabin and the left tip tank of the Piper. The angle between the two aircraft at the moment of impact was 60 degrees. Following the collision, the left tip tank of the Piper separated from the wing. The Rockwell pilot was able to continue to the intended destination without further incident.

Post-Collision Actions

As a precaution, the Piper pilot shut down the left engine and diverted the flight to a nearby airport. The pilot successfully landed the aircraft without further incident. No additional information about injuries, damage, or other circumstances was provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30387. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.