Background
A Seminole airplane and a Cadet airplane were involved in a midair collision near DeLand Airport. Prior to the accident, the Seminole had requested instrument approaches to DeLand Airport but was denied due to saturation. The flight was vectored and cleared for a VOR approach to runway 16 at Daytona Beach, then vectored and cleared for a VOR approach to runway 23 at DeLand Airport.
Flight Details
The Cadet airplane departed and proceeded to DeLand Airport, remaining in the traffic pattern for runway 05. Individuals heard the flight announce while in the traffic pattern. While the Seminole flight was inside the final approach fix inbound, radar service was terminated. Two individuals heard a voice announce on the DeLand CTAF, "VOR 23," without specifying distance, intentions, airport ID, or aircraft ID.
Collision
The Seminole continued on the VOR approach, with the last radar target approximately 0.6 nautical mile from the approach end of runway 23. Several individuals heard the Cadet flight announce on the CTAF that it was departing runway 05. One witness reported that the Cadet used almost the full length of the runway, became airborne, then banked left and disappeared behind trees. The airplanes collided in-flight near the departure end of runway 05. The wreckage of both airplanes came to rest within approximately 0.5 nautical mile from the departure end of runway 05.
Post-Collision
An impact signature from one propeller blade of the left engine of the Seminole was noted on top of the engine of the Cadet, within approximately 25 degrees of being perpendicular. Several individuals reported frequency congestion on the DeLand CTAF due to other airports using the same frequency. Prior to the accident, ERAU personnel had informally inquired about changing the frequency for that reason, but no change was made. Advisory circulars and the Aeronautical Information Manual do not address when to terminate a practice instrument approach to an uncontrolled airport.