Incident Overview
According to witnesses, approximately 50 fish spotting aircraft were flying in the vicinity of Boulder Bay, circling and waiting for the opening of herring fishing. Each spotting pilot was teamed with associated fishing vessels and was in communication with their respective vessels, but not with each other. Subsequently, two of these aircraft converged and collided.
Aircraft and Pilot Details
The aircraft involved were a Piper PA-18, registration N6966D, and a Cessna 305A, registration N5193G. The pilot of the PA-18 reported that he had been established in level flight for about one mile at 1,200 feet and at 85 to 88 knots when the collision occurred. Just before impact, he observed the Cessna 305 converging from his left rear quarter, slightly low, and in a slight left bank.
Aftermath
After the impact, the Cessna went out of control and crashed on mountainous terrain. The PA-18 sustained damage to its fuselage and float/strut system, but the pilot was able to land successfully.