Mid-air collision involving two training aircraft at Ocala

Casualties unknown • Ocala, FL, US

Two student pilots operating under instructor supervision experienced a mid-air collision during localizer approaches to Runway 36, resulting in damage to a Piper PA-23.

What happened

During flight training operations at the Ocala airport, two separate aircraft were performing approach maneuvers for Runway 36. The instructor pilot (CFI) flying a Cessna N210PW reported that his instrument student was executing a localizer approach to Runway 36. During this approach, the instructor observed a Piper aircraft approximately two miles ahead, descending toward the runway and positioned on the runway itself.

Simultaneously, the instructor pilot in the Piper N2114P reported that his student had executed the localizer approach to Runway 36, announcing via CTAF that the flight was on a 4-then-1 mile final for a touch-and-go.

As the student in the N210PW reached the minimum descent altitude (MDA), approximately five seconds before reaching the missed approach point, the student observed another aircraft below and to the left. The student rolled the airplane to the right and felt an impact.

In the N2114P, the instructor reported that after the touch-and-go maneuver was completed, a jolt similar to a severe updraft occurred during the upwind leg. Upon inspecting the aircraft, the instructor observed damage. The instructor in the N2114P took control and performed an uneventful landing at another airport, while the instructor in the N210PW landed safely at the Ocala airport. Both aircraft sustained damage, but there were no injuries reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1995-11-22 Piper PA-23-150 accident near Ocala, FL?

Two student pilots operating under instructor supervision experienced a mid-air collision during localizer approaches to Runway 36, resulting in damage to a Piper PA-23.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1995-11-22 involved a Piper PA-23-150, registration N2114P, at Ocala, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND (CFI) OF THE CESSNA, N210PW, TO SEE AND AVOID THE PIPER, N2114P.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04902. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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