On April 16, 1996, a Mooney M20C (registration N9206V) was involved in an aviation accident near ST Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate visual lookout by the pilots of both airplanes, which resulted in their failure to see-and-avoid each other's airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Two airplanes collided while on final approach at an uncontrolled airport. Both continued to land without further damage. Radio communication issues were identified.
Incident Overview
A Mooney M20C (N9206V) and a homebuilt (Lemoine) Christian Eagle (N83BL) collided while on final approach to land on runway 31 at an uncontrolled airport. The collision occurred at an altitude of about 100 to 150 feet above ground level. Both airplanes continued the approach and landed without further damage.
Pilot Reports
The pilot of the Mooney entered the traffic pattern for runway 31 from an upwind leg and announced his position with radio calls on all legs of the traffic pattern. The Christian Eagle pilot stated that after completing a touch-and-go on runway 31, he remained in a standard left pattern. He had been listening to other aircraft and reporting his position in the pattern. However, on downwind after the touch-and-go, his radio started to break up on transmission. He stated that he turned base and final calling his position; however, neither the UNICOM operator nor pilots of other airplanes heard the Christian Eagle pilot announce his landing intentions.
Investigation Findings
The investigation revealed that the pilot of the Mooney followed proper radio procedures. The Christian Eagle pilot's radio transmissions were not heard by others, indicating the radio communication issue contributed to the collision. No further details were provided regarding the cause of the radio failure or any other contributing factors.