Incident Overview
Aircraft N46204 suffered an electrical failure shortly after departing, prompting the pilot to return for landing. During the landing approach, N46204 touched down on top of N738UF, which was conducting touch-and-go landing exercises with a student pilot. The collision occurred just as N738UF had touched down on the runway, with N46204 landing on the right wing section of the lower aircraft.
Witness Accounts
According to witnesses, the pilot of N46204 had requested assistance starting the airplane on the morning of the accident due to a low battery. The aircraft was subsequently hand-propped to start the engine.
Regulatory Context
The report references Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) pertaining to right-of-way rules. FAR Part 91.113(b) states that when weather conditions permit, "vigilance shall be maintained by each person operating an aircraft so as to see and avoid other aircraft." Additionally, FAR 91.113(g) specifies that when two or more aircraft are approaching an airport for landing, the lower-altitude aircraft has the right-of-way, but it shall not use this to cut in front of another on final approach or to overtake that aircraft.
Conclusion
The incident involved two aircraft on the same runway during landing operations, with N46204 colliding with N738UF during touchdown. The investigation remains limited to factual details provided.