What happened
On August 7, 1997, at approximately 1248 Atlantic Standard Time, a mid-air collision occurred between two Britten-Norman BN-2 aircraft at the uncontrolled Diego Jimenez Airport in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Both aircraft were performing visual approaches to runway 08.
The pilot of N1202S was flying a non-standard right traffic pattern approach for landing. Simultaneously, the pilot of N26JA was executing a standard left traffic pattern approach. The collision took place over the approach threshold of runway 08 at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level.
Passengers aboard N26JA reported that they observed the other aircraft approaching from the right at a much lower altitude before it disappeared beneath them. The next time the occupants of N26JA observed the other aircraft, a collision with its tail section was occurring.
The investigation
An examination of both aircraft was conducted following the accident. Investigators found no mechanical discrepancies on either airplane.