Incident Overview
Two airplanes were substantially damaged during a collision that occurred while both aircraft were landing at the annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture fly-in at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. At the time of the accident, reduced separation standards and special arrival procedures were in effect.
Sequence of Events
The accident aircraft were sequenced for landing and both were cleared to land at the same location on the same runway. The trailing airplane landed and struck the leading airplane as the leading airplane was exiting the runway.
Regulatory Context
Federal regulations as well as the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) state that the pilot in command of an aircraft is directly responsible for, and is the final authority as to, the operation of that aircraft. The AIM further states that, regardless of type of flight plan or whether or not under control of a radar facility, the pilot is responsible to see and avoid other traffic, terrain, or obstacles, when meteorological conditions permit.