Incident Overview
A midair collision occurred between two Skywatch flights operating at the same airport. The pilot of aircraft N738YY reported to the local controller that he was northbound on the North Loop in accordance with the Letter of Agreement for Skywatch flights. This was the only communication with that flight prior to the collision.
Sequence of Events
Two minutes after N738YY's report, the pilot of N6988V reported ready for takeoff on Runway 7. The pilot of N6988V had not heard the northbound Skywatch report. N6988V was cleared for takeoff for a northwest departure. After takeoff, while northwest bound, the controller called traffic to N6988V as a Skywatch flight to the right heading southbound. The controller did not advise of the northbound Skywatch flight.
The pilot of N6988V reported the southbound Skywatch in sight. One minute later, N6988V and N738YY (the northbound Skywatch) collided.
Aftermath
Both flights returned to the airport and landed without further incident. N738YY received substantial damage, while N6988V received minor damage.
The collision occurred despite N6988V being aware of only one of the two Skywatch flights. The controller had not provided information about the northbound traffic.