Midair Collision Between Embraer EMB-120 and Cessna 172 (N217AS)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Involved An Atlantic Southeast Airline flight operating an Embraer EMB-120, registration N217AS, departed runway 24 under an IFR clearance. The aircraft turned left to an east heading and climbed to an assigned altitude of 5,000 feet MSL. Before radar contact was established with air traffic control, the Embraer converged with a Cessna 172, registration N99501, which was heading westbound toward the setting sun. ## Collision and Aftermath A head-on collision occurred approximately 2.5 miles south of the airport. During impact, the right horizontal stabilizer of the Embraer EMB-120 separated from the aircraft, but it continued flying and made a safe landing. The Cessna 172 entered an uncontrolled descent and crashed. ## Witness and Crew Accounts A witness who observed the collision did not note any evasive action by either aircraft before impact. The crew of the Embraer EMB-120 reported seeing the Cessna moments before impact. The captain stated he took immediate evasive action by pushing the nose down but was unable to avoid the collision. A flight attendant on the Embraer recalled a 'thump' before the aircraft started a descent.