Incident Details
A Cessna 152 (N757KN) conducting an instructional flight with a CFI and a dual student collided with a Piper PA-24 (N5231P) carrying a private pilot and a passenger (holding a student pilot certificate). The collision occurred about 1 mile on final approach to Runway 19. The Cessna 152 was operating in a right traffic pattern, while the PA-24 was in a left pattern.
Air Traffic Control Communications
Both flights were in radio contact with the control tower (ATCT). After the PA-24 pilot reported entering downwind, ATCT advised that he would be instructed when to turn base leg. ATCT subsequently sequenced the PA-24 to land behind the Cessna 152; however, the PA-24 pilot was not issued a sequence number as required by FAA procedures. A Cessna 210 (which the PA-24 had initially been following) was in a left pattern but was sequenced ahead of the Cessna 152.
While on downwind about 5 miles from the airport, the PA-24 pilot was advised of "Cessna" traffic on final. The pilot responded that he did not have the traffic in sight and that he was looking. ATCT then instructed the PA-24 pilot to turn base leg, which was acknowledged. This was the last communication with the PA-24 pilot. The last communication with the Cessna 152 pilot occurred after the flight was cleared for a touch-and-go landing by ATCT.
Radar and Wreckage
Recorded radar data showed that the PA-24 overtook the Cessna 152 on final approach. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the collision involved the bottom of the PA-24 and the top of the Cessna 152.