What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-04-05 involved a Piper PA-16, registration N5293H, at Lakeland, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of PA-16 pilot to maintain a visual lookout and to yield the right-of-way to a lower airplane while on final approach resulting in a midair collision. Contributing to the accident was the failure of both pilot's to adhere to an ATC clearance while landing, and the subsequent in-flight collision of both…

Midair Collision During Landing Sequence at Unspecified Airport (N5293H)

On April 5, 2002, a Piper PA-16 (registration N5293H) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of PA-16 pilot to maintain a visual lookout and to yield the right-of-way to a lower airplane while on final approach resulting in a midair collision. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

An RV6A and PA-16 collided on approach after the RV6A pilot was slow to respond to ATC instructions to side-step to another runway, resulting in both aircraft impacting the ground.

Incident Overview

Two aircraft, an RV6A and a PA-16, were flying in the traffic pattern for landing on runway 27 right. The air traffic controller issued a base leg call to the RV6A pilot, who was slow to respond. Shortly after, the controller called the base leg for the PA-16 pilot.

Sequence of Events

The controller then observed the PA-16 overtaking the RV6A on final approach and instructed the RV6A pilot to side-step to runway 27 left. The RV6A pilot did not acknowledge or comply with this instruction. The controller subsequently instructed the PA-16 pilot to maintain a higher altitude, but the PA-16 pilot also did not respond.

Collision and Impact

The controller saw the nose of the RV6A pitch up violently, and both aircraft subsequently collided with the ground. Post-impact examination revealed that the PA-16's left main landing gear had struck the upper surface of the RV6A's empennage behind the cabin area, and the PA-16's propeller had impacted the RV6A's cockpit area.

Examination Findings

No further details about the circumstances or causes were provided in the official report.

2002-04-05: Piper PA-16 (N5293H) — Lakeland, FL