Incident Description
Two airplanes, a Cessna 172A and a Piper PA-18, both equipped with floats, collided in flight approximately 400 feet above the water. Following the collision, both airplanes broke apart and fell into the water. Both pilots were engaged in fish spotting at the time of the accident.
Witness Accounts
An eyewitness located directly below the collision on a fishing vessel observed the Piper PA-18 strike the Cessna 172A from behind. According to the witness, the Cessna 172A was in a left turn while the Piper PA-18 was in level flight at the moment of impact.
Wreckage Examination
An examination of the wreckage revealed that the right float and propeller of the Piper PA-18 impacted the underside of the left wing of the Cessna 172A. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found during the wreckage examination.
Pilot Information and Toxicology
Weather conditions at the time were day VFR, and both pilots were reported to be well-rested. Toxicology tests performed on the Piper PA-18 pilot indicated a blood codeine concentration of 85 ng/mL, and the presence of an opiate was detected in his urine.