Incident Overview
On an unspecified date, two Piper PA-38-112 airplanes, registered as N2409K and N2437K, were involved in a midair collision while flying in formation. The pilots had each filed separate VFR cross-country flight plans and made an intermediate stop at an airport away from their home base. After departing, the two airplanes joined up and began flying in formation.
Witness and Evidence
According to a witness, the trailing airplane (N2409K) collided with the leading airplane (N2437K) from the rear while maneuvering. Examination of the wreckage revealed impact, paint, and rubber transfer marks indicating that N2409K struck N2437K from the rear on the right side.
Pilot Background
The pilots-in-command of both airplanes had logged approximately 118 hours each prior to the accident and had received their pilot certificates the month before. All individuals on board, including the pilots and pilot-rated passengers, were Spanish citizens.
Flight School Policy
The flight school from which the pilots were enrolled expressly prohibited formation flying of any type. The pilots' decision to fly in formation was in direct violation of this policy.
No probable cause was stated in the official investigation source.