Incident Overview
A midair collision occurred near Cobb County Airport-McCollum Field involving two aircraft, N5511N and N52995. N5511N was navigating the traffic pattern and was approaching the transition from crosswind to downwind leg when it was struck by N52995.
Details of the Collision
N52995 was executing a straight-in approach to join the downwind leg of the traffic pattern, arriving from the west with the sun directly behind the pilot. This entry into the pattern was inconsistent with recently published changes to the traffic procedures at McCollum Field.
Witnesses reported that both aircraft turned in the same direction just before the collision. The two airplanes made contact bottom to bottom. After the collision, the aircraft descended into a wooded area, coming to rest approximately 50 yards apart. The engine of N5511N separated from the airframe and was found about 100 yards from the two fuselages.
Traffic Pattern Changes
The recently updated traffic pattern at McCollum Field had been published prior to the incident. The entry method used by N52995, a straight-in approach to downwind, was in conflict with these new procedures.