Incident Details
Two pilots agreed to fly together and maintain radio contact. After takeoff, flying in a northerly direction, the pilot of the Cessna 172 reported turning to the west. Approximately two to three minutes later, the Cessna was struck by the Grumman AA-5A.
Witness Accounts
A ground witness and a witness on board the Grumman observed the Cessna 172 positioned behind the Grumman prior to the collision.
Damage
The spinner of the Cessna 172 struck the left aileron of the Grumman AA-5A. Additionally, the right wing of the Cessna struck the horizontal stabilizer of the Grumman, deforming its rudder, elevator, and aft fuselage.
Aftermath
The Grumman AA-5A made a forced landing in a wooded area with minimal flight control available. The Cessna 172 landed at a nearby airport.