Incident Overview
A Cessna 152 and a Cessna 172 were involved in a midair collision while operating in the vicinity of Gilbert Airport. The 152 had been conducting full-stop landings and remained in the traffic pattern. The 172 had departed Kissimmee, Florida, and was en route to Gilbert Airport to perform a touch-and-go landing.
Sequence of Events
Witnesses reported hearing the pilot of the 152 announce his positions on the Unicom frequency, including left downwind, base, and final approach. The 172 was observed making a right downwind approach followed by an abbreviated base leg to final for runway 29, positioning itself above the 152. A witness seated in his aircraft at the hold short line attempted to warn the 172 pilot over the Unicom frequency of 122.7 several times, but received no response.
Collision and Impact
The 172 impacted the top of the 152 approximately 30 feet above the ground. The collision forced the 152 into the ground. The 172 then pitched up, rolled to the right, and nosed into the ground, coming to rest on its back. The 152 landed hard on its main landing gear and slid to a stop.
Regulatory Context
Title 14 CFR Part 91.113(g) states, in part: "Aircraft, while on final approach to land or while landing, have the right-of-way over other aircraft in flight or operating on the surface."