Departure and Formation Flight
A Piper PA-28R (N44018), serving as the lead aircraft, and a Cessna 172 (N737GU), the wingman, departed Raleigh-Durham Airport for a formation flight to Petersburg, Virginia. The Cessna pilot reported that during takeoff and initial climb, the lead aircraft began to accelerate ahead. The Piper then turned slightly to the right and leveled off at approximately 1,500 feet mean sea level as the wingman attempted to regain formation position and keep the lead aircraft in sight.
Visual Difficulties and Radio Frequency Change
The wingman reported difficulty seeing the lead aircraft due to city lights in the background. As the Cessna's airspeed built up, the pilot trimmed the aircraft to level off at 1,500 feet. After the flight was cleared to contact departure control, the wingman looked away from the lead aircraft to locate and change the radio frequency. During this action, he lost sight of the Piper.
Collision and Aftermath
The Cessna subsequently converged with the Piper. The wingman did not see the Piper until immediately before his aircraft's propeller and nose gear struck the vertical fin and fuselage of the lead aircraft. The Piper entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. The Cessna's engine lost power, but the wingman successfully executed a forced landing on runway 32, albeit with a failed nose gear.
Aircraft Damage
The Piper PA-28R sustained substantial damage in the crash. The Cessna 172 sustained damage to the propeller and nose gear, with the nose gear failing during the forced landing.