Midair Collision During Touch-and-Go Patterns at Tower-Controlled Airport (N66018)

Incident Description

During daylight hours with high scattered clouds and visibility of 40 statute miles, a midair collision took place while both aircraft were on the downwind leg of the touch-and-go landing pattern at a tower-controlled airport. The high-wing aircraft, which had completed three touch-and-go patterns, climbed up under the low-wing aircraft prior to the collision. Despite the collision, both aircraft landed safely.

Investigation Findings

The investigation revealed that the pilot of the high-wing aircraft had not been issued a landing sequence or a traffic advisory by the air traffic controller. The pilot believed he was following another high-wing aircraft that was well ahead on the downwind leg. The local air traffic controller acknowledged that he had become confused with the sequence of landing aircraft and had not issued a landing sequence or traffic advisory to this aircraft. At the time of the incident, there were six aircraft in the landing pattern and five more awaiting departure.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the investigation source.