Incident Overview
Two like-model airplanes were flying in formation when the second aircraft struck the lead aircraft. The lead aircraft sustained substantial damage but was able to land successfully. The second aircraft, registration N87259, suffered damage to its flight controls in the collision, rendering the pilot unable to maintain control.
Loss of Control
After the collision, the pilot of the second aircraft lost control of the airplane, which entered a left spiral. In an attempt to recover, the pilot pulled aft on the control yoke with maximum force just prior to impact, achieving a partial flare.
The sequence of events did not include any further details about the outcome of the final maneuver or the condition of the second aircraft or its pilot after the crash.