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Formation Flight Collision Between Two Aircraft During Maneuvering (N9341T)

Bozeman, MT, US

On June 27, 2001, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N9341T) was involved in an aviation accident near Bozeman, MT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision was caused by an updraft during formation flight maneuvers, leading to an unexpected ascent of one aircraft into the propeller of another. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-21Data APIEditorial standards

Two aircraft collided during formation flight maneuvers when an updraft caused one plane to ascend into the propeller of another, resulting in damage to both but safe landings.

What happened

The pilot reported that while maneuvering for a formation flight, his aircraft encountered an updraft and ascended up to the second aircraft. The propeller of the second aircraft contacted the horizontal stabilizer of the first aircraft. Both aircraft were able to return to the departure airport and land without further incident.

The investigation

The investigation revealed that the collision occurred due to the unexpected vertical movement caused by the updraft during formation flight maneuvers. There was no indication of mechanical failure or pilot error in the execution of the formation flight itself.

Findings

  • The aircraft involved were engaged in a formation flight maneuver.
  • An updraft caused one aircraft to ascend unexpectedly.
  • The propeller of the second aircraft contacted the horizontal stabilizer of the first aircraft.
  • Both aircraft returned to the departure airport and landed safely.

Safety message

Formation flight maneuvers require careful coordination and awareness of environmental conditions such as updrafts, which can cause unexpected vertical movements. Pilots should be prepared for such scenarios and maintain situational awareness to avoid collisions.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by an updraft during formation flight maneuvers, leading to an unexpected ascent of one aircraft into the propeller of another.
Midair collision

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 2001 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Bozeman, MT?

Two aircraft collided during formation flight maneuvers when an updraft caused one plane to ascend into the propeller of another, resulting in damage to both but safe landings.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jun 2001 Piper PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 2001 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N9341T, at Bozeman, MT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by an updraft during formation flight maneuvers, leading to an unexpected ascent of one aircraft into the propeller of another.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010710X01348. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.