Incident Overview
A student pilot operating an American AA-1A, registration N9317L, was on approach to land on Runway 5 at Statesboro Airport, an uncontrolled airfield. Simultaneously, a commercial pilot flying a Cessna 414A, registration N47WD, was on approach to land on Runway 14. The two runways intersect near their approach ends. The aircraft collided as they were about to touch down over the intersection at dusk.
Witness Accounts
Ground witnesses reported observing lights on the Cessna 414A but did not see any lights on the American AA-1A. Witnesses in other aircraft in the area stated they heard the pilot of the American AA-1A announcing his position in the traffic pattern and landing intentions, but they did not hear the pilot of the Cessna 414A on the UNICOM frequency.
Pilot Communication
The pilot of the Cessna 414A stated that he announced his intention to land on Runway 14 over UNICOM frequency 123.0. However, the published UNICOM frequency for Statesboro Airport was 122.8.
Aircraft and Location
The American AA-1A (N9317L) was flown by a student pilot, and the Cessna 414A (N47WD) was flown by a commercial pilot. The collision occurred at Statesboro Airport, an uncontrolled airport with intersecting runways.