Incident Summary
During departure, a Cessna aircraft was struck from behind by a Piper Aerostar 600. The collision occurred on the runway as the Cessna was initiating its takeoff roll.
Pilot Reports
The Cessna pilot reported that he had just received an IFR clearance from Point Mugu Departure Control. He did not announce on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) his intentions to taxi to Runway 26.
The Piper Aerostar pilot reported that she was executing a high-speed taxi operation on the runway to check the aircraft's erratic fuel gauges. This was in preparation for her proposed flight to Kona, Hawaii. She also reported that she did not announce her intentions for the high-speed taxi operation on the CTAF.
Communication Lapses
Both pilots acknowledged a lack of communication regarding their actions. The Cessna pilot did not broadcast his taxi to Runway 26, and the Aerostar pilot did not broadcast her high-speed taxi operation. As a result, neither pilot was aware of the other's presence on the runway.