Aircraft and Flights
The accident involved a Cessna 182, registration N3222S, and a Piper PA-28, registration N4362D. The Cessna was operating on a personal flight to test a newly installed navigation and communication radio. The Piper was conducting an instrument instructional flight focused on basic instrument training, with two pilots aboard.
Accident Sequence
According to a witness, the Cessna was flying in a westerly direction while the Piper was flying in nearly the opposite direction when the two airplanes collided. During the collision, both left wings separated from the aircraft. Subsequently, both airplanes entered uncontrolled descents and crashed.
Environmental and Operational Factors
Visibility in the area was limited by localized haze and smoke. Both airplanes were equipped with two-way radio communication, but the aircrews were not monitoring a common frequency. Both aircraft were operating in Class E airspace under visual flight rules (VFR). Each airplane was equipped with a transponder, but neither was under Air Traffic Control. Radar data indicated that the transponder of the westbound Cessna was operating on code 1200 at an altitude of 2,100 feet.
Aftermath
The occupants of both airplanes were fatally injured. The wreckage was located at the accident sites.