Incident Overview
A Cessna 182, registration N5434B, and a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N5270T, were involved in a midair collision during departure. The Cessna pilot had called the tower requesting departure as a flight of two behind the Piper, and the tower cleared them to depart as a flight of two.
Observations from Occupants
The passenger in the Piper reported that shortly before the collision, he observed the high-wing Cessna positioned 45 degrees aft and right of the low-wing Piper, and well below the Piper. He then lost sight of the Cessna and did not see it again before the impact.
Sun Position and Line of Sight
Computation showed that just before the collision, the line of sight from the Cessna to the sun was approximately at the Cessna's 9:30 position, 65 degrees above the horizon. The line of sight from the Cessna to the Piper was around the Cessna's 10:30 position and well above the Cessna.
Pilot Actions and Outcome
The Piper pilot reported that at the time of the collision, he was looking at opposite-direction traffic in front of and above the Piper. The Cessna's empennage separated from the aircraft, and the Cessna subsequently crashed. The Piper was able to return to the departure airport and land safely.
No Prior Formation Arrangement
The Piper pilot reported that the Cessna pilot had made no prior arrangements with him to fly in formation.