What happened
During the landing roll of a formation flight consisting of four North American T-6 airplanes, a collision occurred between the lead and second aircraft in the formation. The pilot of the lead aircraft, N135 MAY 95, intended to exit the runway to the left at taxiway Mike rather than proceeding to the end of the runway.
While executing the turn, the pilot of N13595 looked back to check the position of the second aircraft, N3195G. The pilot noted that the second aircraft appeared to be approximately 150 yards behind and was slowing down. As the lead aircraft continued the left turn to exit the runway, the pilot observed that the second aircraft was too close and approaching at a high rate of speed. In response, the pilot applied full power and performed a right turn toward the right side of the runway.
The pilot of N3195G reported that once the lead aircraft was no longer visible, he applied heavy braking and steered toward the left edge of the runway. During this maneuver, the right wing of the second aircraft struck the vertical stabilizer of the lead aircraft. There were no injuries reported.
Findings
Training protocols from the Confederate Air Force regarding formation and staggered landings state that formations should exit at the end of the runway and that passing other aircraft during the landing phase is prohibited.